James 1:26–27 (ESV)
Hearing and Doing the Word
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 encourages Christians to return to the Word, take comfort in
the Gospel, and live righteous lives focused on service toward others. We also know the kind of lives God calls us to lead. Yet too easily we turn away from that calling. God, who implanted His Word in us and justified us in Christ, now calls us to bless others.
He honors us by using us to bring His love to all people, especially those whom the world ignores.
I pray: Thank
You, Lord, for Your Word. Hold it continually before me, and bring me to hear it preached and taught. May it be rooted deep inside me, that it may transform me into Your righteous servant. Amen.[1]