Homework Day Four (James 1:19-27)

homework2Here’s my homework for day four:

Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; 20 for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. 21 Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. 22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. 24 For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. 25 But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing. 26 If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless. 27 Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world. James 1:19-27

1) What do I find out about God and my relationship with Him?

God speaks to me through His word. But, when He speaks, I need to not only listen but do what He says. I can’t look and walk away as if there’s been no conversation or enlightenment. When I learn, I must do. A quality faith is a demonstrated faith. There is a blessing in living out His word.

2) What do I find out about others and my relationship with them?

One way in which faith is lived out is in the caring for others. When I refer to others, I’m talking about those who are struggling without. James tells us that a pure and faultless religion takes on the role of caring for the orphan and widow. Those who have not and perhaps can not without help from someone else.

3) How am I to be and do?

The passage very plainly commissions me to be a doer of the word. There a being in play to here. But, there’s a mandate to do what I hear. I must live out and demonstrate faith.

There’s also an important instruction to watch my words. My words ought to be careful, methodical, intentional and appropriate.

What did you find out?

One thought on “Homework Day Four (James 1:19-27)

  1. Kathy Lowry

    James 1:19-27New International Version (NIV)
    Listening and Doing
    What do I find out about God and my relationship with Him?
    My inclinations and my emotions are inferior to God’s, so listening to Him, waiting to speak, and not reaching the point of anger is in my best interest. Staying pure in my heart and being humble allows me access to God’s Word that is in me. It allows me to abide in Him.
    But…Listening to God’s Word is not enough. Not following what His Word says is not establishing the foundation needed to be able to remember and build on what He shares with us. Intentionally looking at what His perfect Word says brings blessings.
    What do I find out about my relationship with others?
    Where religion can deceive us, God wants us to have hearts pure and faultless and able to look after others who are distressed like orphans and widows. We must remain pure as we live among those who would otherwise pollute us.
    How am I to be and do?
    Humbly listen to God. Hold my tongue. Don’t reach anger. Be pure of heart.
    Actively live what I am learning, so I can remember it. Be intentional in understanding God’s Word. Don’t focus on religion. Be concerned over the heart issues of God: love and help those who cannot help themselves. Don’t be distracted by the evil in the world.

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