Faith and Good Works: What Really Matters? 

Understanding “What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith?” in Simple Terms 

We sometimes hear people say that as long as you believe the right things, you’re good to go. They claim that just having “faith” is enough. The Bible challenges this idea in the book of James. It asks an important question. What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? In other words, what’s the point of saying you believe if your actions don’t show it? 

James, the apostle, brings this up for a reason. People in his time misunderstood or misused the teaching. They thought we are made right with God by faith. Some thought, “As long as I say I believe, I don’t really need to do good things or live differently.” But James says that’s not how it works. 

He wants us to know that true faith isn’t just about having the right ideas in our heads. It is not merely claiming to believe the right things. Real faith changes us on the inside and shows up on the outside. If our lives don’t show any difference, then our “faith” is just empty words. We need to act with kindness. We should help people in need. We must try to live in a way that’s good and loving. 

James isn’t saying we have to be perfect or that we “earn” our way to heaven by doing good things. Instead, he’s saying that genuine faith naturally leads to good actions, just like a healthy tree naturally produces fruit. If someone claims they have faith, their life should change. Otherwise, it’s like a tree that never grows any fruit. 

So, can faith save someone if it doesn’t lead to good works? James’ answer is “no.” A faith that doesn’t make a difference in how we live isn’t the real thing. Real faith is like a light that shines through our actions. It’s not just about believing; it’s about living out what we believe. 

In short: Just saying you believe isn’t enough. True faith is proven by the way we live and the good we do. That’s the faith that matters and the kind that the Bible encourages us to have. 

Blessings,

Minister A. Francine Green