So we all know this famous line. But how many of us really know what it means or where it’s spoken about in the bible? It comes from James 2:14-26

It starts off with a simple question – what good is it to say you have faith if you don’t show it with your actions? 

It’s not enough to just say “I believe in God”. Real faith shows up in your daily decisions and how you live your life. Our faith isn’t just about agreement with God, it’s supposed to move us to obedience. Faith must be demonstrated, not just talked about.

Verse 17 says, “Faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless.” Just how we are supposed to know a tree by the fruit it bears – we are the tree, and our good deeds are the fruit. And that fruit isn’t just for us, it should bless everyone we come across. Performing good deeds is one way we bring heaven to earth. Because really … what’s the point of growing our relationship with God if we don’t use it? And in order to grow in our faith, we have to connect it with good deeds, because without it, we are holding on to useless faith. 

So does that mean our good deeds can replace our faith? No, work doesn’t replace faith, it proves it! The bible says that we need both, that faith and works are a package. Like James says, Abraham’s faith was made complete by his actions of offering his son and Rahab showed her belief in God by hiding spies. Our actions make our faith good and whole. 

How can we prove our faith? – forgiving people; helping strangers; being generous; tithing (screaming to myself); and all around trusting God and incorporating his teachings into our everyday lives. 

So remember, faith alone is not enough, you need action! Let your faith do some talking! So next time you hear that line, you can feel confident that you can back your faith with proof. Don’t just talk faith – walk it; live it; and show it!

TAKE AWAY: 
You say you have faith, so PROVE IT!