James 2:18–19 (KJV)“Yea, a man may say, ‘Thou hast faith, and I have works’: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I
will shew thee my faith by my works. Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils
also believe, and tremble.”
True faith is shown through obedience. When you believe what God says in His word, that belief has
to be complemented by righteous works. Faith is not passive, it expresses itself through works.
James highlights that even devils believe in God, and yet their belief produces fear, not
righteousness. On the contrary, a Christian’s faith goes beyond belief; it transforms into action and is
empowered by Jesus. The contrast is this: the faith of devils believes but does not obey while the
faith of Jesus believes and obeys.
We are called not only to study the Word, but also to live it out. As James 1:22 exhorts us: “Be ye
doers of the Word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” Knowing Scripture without
practicing it may make one Biblically knowledgeable but not spiritually sound. Even Satan knows the
Bible, yet his knowledge does not lead to righteousness.
Reflection:
Do you live out the faith of Jesus or merely acknowledge what even the devils know?
Prayer:
Lord, help me to embrace the faith of Jesus, faith that not only hears but obeys. Strengthen
me to live according to Your Word, empowered by Your Spirit. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.