Before we dive into our verse, there’s some context to provide. In the verse before it, James is not shy about calling out those who profess to be religious but don’t control their words or live up to living the life Jesus demonstrated. So, what does it mean to live out a “pure and faultless religion”?
It’s not enough to join a mission trip to impoverished areas because you think it solidifies you as a winner with church leaders. It’s not enough to lead a women’s prison ministry if your heart is not focused on serving others. It’s not enough to fill a shoebox for Operation Christmas Child because you feel like it’s what the cool kids do.
James is asking us to take something that’s inside of us and demonstrate it on the outside. When we offer others a glimpse into who God is and what He has done for us, it’s love in action. It’s a pure and faultless expression of our relationship with God.
So, let’s put the gospel on display today and go against the status quo of living selfishly! Let’s love and serve others boldly and with authentically pure hearts.
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