James 2
KJV
15+ If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,
16+ And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?
The greatest challenge we face as Believers is our inability to translate words into deeds. If you’ve lived as long as some have you’ll understand what this means.
James saw firsthand how members of the congregation he attended were responding to an appeal made on behalf of a destitute hence his inspired rhetorical question. He wrote from practical experience and observation.
In effect, he is saying words are meaningless if not backed by deeds. We see this daily in our fellowship where some stand in the midst of the assembly and pours out their needs! In our case, beloved what do we do? We are simply asked to stand and “ commit the sister/brother to the Lord’s care”.
A long twenty to thirty-minute prayer is said citing and quoting copious verses of scriptures to remind God (as if He has forgotten) that he must meet the needs of the one with the request.
We even issue as it were a “ veiled threat “ in our prayers by asking Him to act to avoid disgrace before unbelievers. Who will ask “Where is our God?”
After the prayer as usual we walk to the needy to shake his/her hands and console and comfort him/her with more words; not a hint or personal assurance of help from us.
This is what James was alluding to; read it
James 2:16
NIV
[16] If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,”
Nyamè wô hô ôbè yè! Fama Nyame! Ôtsèsô Nyamè wô tsè à aboà entetià sô nyà bî ( forgive my poor twi!)
There have been instances where some have refused to tell their congregation the sufferings they are going through When asked why, they replied “ I know them they hear but do nothing! So I am better off not telling them”. O!
Yes, beloved this is what happens when words mean nothing but sounds to some, and because they would not want their ears to be disturbed they prefer not to open up!
There is a need for us individually and collectively to examine ourselves concerning these ! Words without acts mean nothing but mere sounds to a sufferer. This trend of behaviour is very high among us.
The Apostle John also saw what James experienced; read how he put it;
1 John 3:18
NIV
[18] Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.
I, John (the minister) have also seen and continue to experience this hence what you’ve just read. My testimony and experience are shared by many!
A word to the wise!
John Franklin Tamakloe