Devotionals for September 11, 2023
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READ
JAMES 1:22-27
But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. 24 For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. 25 But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.
26 If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless. 27 Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.
But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. 24 For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. 25 But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.
26 If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless. 27 Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.
REFLECT
As disciples of Jesus, we get to look into the perfect law and pray over the very words of God. But if we say we’re religious, read our Bibles, but then live the rest of our time serving ourselves — or worse — choosing evil, we deceive ourselves according to James. He uses an interesting metaphor: It’s like someone who looks in a mirror but then walks away, forgetting what they looked like. James offers firm encouragement: Being a disciple is learning and obeying, not hearing and forgetting. James closes the section with an example of the type ‘religion’ which honors God. It’s all about loving others without expecting anything in return.
APPLY
Q: Why do you think James uses the example of visiting orphans and widows in this passage?
Q: What’s one way you can act on God’s words today?
Q: How can you live out the Gospel today by caring or elevating someone who is powerless or in affliction?
Q: What’s one way you can act on God’s words today?
Q: How can you live out the Gospel today by caring or elevating someone who is powerless or in affliction?
SING
PRAY
"Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy."
Father, you are so good and holy. Help me to reflect on your word and on the heart of your Son, Jesus. And help me to live out a life pleasing to you by the power of the Holy Spirit. May your name be glorified! Amen.
Father, you are so good and holy. Help me to reflect on your word and on the heart of your Son, Jesus. And help me to live out a life pleasing to you by the power of the Holy Spirit. May your name be glorified! Amen.