I.
James continues to offer instruction this week.

In this week’s readings there is the very known command that we are to be, “… doers of the word and not merely hearers …” (James 1:22)

And what might be a little less well known and well remembered, but I suspect of equal importance, “Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.” (James 1:27)

As you begin to spend time with this week’s Scripture, allow those two thoughts to lead you into the passage, and be your companion as you seek to find the depths in these verses.

II.
James 1:19-27 (NRSV)

You must understand this, my beloved: let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger; for your anger does not produce God’s righteousness. Therefore rid yourselves of all sordidness and rank growth of wickedness, and welcome with meekness the implanted word that has the power to save your souls.

But be doers of the word, and not merely hearers who deceive themselves. For if any are hearers of the word and not doers, they are like those who look at themselves in a mirror; for they look at themselves and, on going away, immediately forget what they were like. But those who look into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and persevere, being not hearers who forget but doers who act—they will be blessed in their doing.

If any think they are religious, and do not bridle their tongues but deceive their hearts, their religion is worthless. Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.

III.
Now that you have read through the passage several times what would you gauge to be the two or three or four most important things James says to you?

Why do you rate these as the most important?

IV.
What are the two or three or four correctives James offers to you in regard to how you are to live as a disciple of Jesus?

Why do you find these to be an area in which you need such advice, encouragement and even warnings or correction?

Charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}