How Do You Show Your Faith in Jesus Christ?

My Come Follow Me studies for this week took me to the Epistle of James and a lesson titled “Be Ye Doers of the Word, and Not Hearers Only.” The lesson was preceded by this statement: “As you read the Epistle of James, pay attention to phrases that stand out to you. How are you prompted to be a ‘doer’ of these words? (James 1:22).” The lesson was then introduced with the following information. 

Sometimes just one verse of scripture can change the world. James 1:5 seems like a simple bit of counsel—if you need wisdom, ask God. But when 14-year-old Joseph Smith read that verse, “it seemed to enter with great force into every feeling of [his] heart” (Joseph Smith – History 1:12). Thus inspired, Joseph acted on James’s admonition and sought wisdom from God through prayer. And God did indeed give liberally, giving Joseph one of the most remarkable heavenly visitations in human history—the First Vision. This vision changed the course of Joseph’s life and led to the Restoration of the Church of Jesus Christ on the earth. All of us are blessed today because Joseph Smith read and acted on James 1:5. 

What will you find as you study the Epistle of James? Perhaps a verse or two will change you or someone you love. You may find guidance as you seek to fulfill your mission in life. You may find encouragement to speak kindly or to be more patient. You may feel prompted to make your actions align better with your faith. Whatever inspires you, let these words “enter … into every feeling of [your] heart.” And then, when you “receive with meekness the … word,” as James wrote, be a doer of the word, not a hearer only (see James 1:21-22).

James, the writer of the Epistle of James, is generally believed to be the son of Mary and the half-brother of Jesus Christ. He is mentioned in Matthew 13:55; Mark 6:3; Acts 12:17; 15:13; 21:18; and Galatians 1:19; 2:9. The above scriptures suggest that James was a Church leader in Jerusalem and had been called as an Apostle.

The principle of discussion for this post is “Faith requires action” (James 1:3-8, 21-25; 2:14-26; 4:17). Consider these two questions as you study these chapters: How do you know if you have faith in Jesus Christ? How do your works demonstrate our faith in God? Think about these questions as you study James’s teachings about faith?

James mentions Abraham (Genesis 22:1-12) and Rahab (Joshua 2) as two people who demonstrated their faith in God.

14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? Can faith save him?

15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,

16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?

17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.

18 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.

19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.

20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?

21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?

22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?

23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.

24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.

25 Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?

26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

How do you show your faith in Jesus Christ? If you do not show your faith in Him by your actions, how do you show it? Faith is an action word. If one has faith, then they perform works than strengthen the kingdom of God.