“Depart in peace, be warmed and filled.” – James 2:15
Scripture reading: James 2:14-26
I do not know if there are more chilling words in the Bible for those who know this text and its teaching within the book of James. The portion of the verse quoted above seems very kind. They are words of blessing; some pastors even close out services with the encouragement, “Depart in peace.”
But if you know the context of this verse, James is using the passage to make a rather stringent point. He is showing how empty words are like empty faith. It’s easy to tell someone to be warmed and filled, but if you don’t help, how beneficial are your words? In the same way it is easy to say we have faith, but if we don’t practice it, how beneficial are our words?
The call to sanctification is a reminder that the Christian faith is not just about words. It is a living relationship with a living God – something James will go on to demonstrate by pointing to Abraham, who was called the friend of God! Believing in Christ is transformative. It cannot simply affect our words or our lips. True faith joins us to Christ, and Christ will never leave us the same.
True Christians are not perfect, but they are new creations. That newness affects our actions, our priorities, and our goals. It changes more than our words.
How is your faith life going? Has God changed more than your words? Our call this month is to be rejuvenated in what it means to be changed through the Gospel of Christ.
Suggestions for prayer
Pray that God would help us to live out actions that reflect our faith and love for Him.
Pastor Greg Bylsma is the pastor of the Living Water Reformed Church of Brantford, Ontario (a member church of the URCNA). He is a graduate of Mid-America Reformed Seminary and was ordained to the Gospel ministry in 2005. After over 20 years in the ministry, he still loves his job and considers it an incredible honour to be able to teach others about the beauty of Jesus Christ. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com.