Tim Maas Supporter Retired Quality Assurance Specialist with the U.S. Army

I would say that the works that James is referring to would be actions taken in obedience to God's commandments, or for the benefit of others, that believers would perform out of gratitude to God for the undeserved forgiveness and salvation that God had given to them through faith in Christ, for the purpose of exhibiting the same love toward God and others that God had shown to them. 

This would include such examples as those given by James, such as Abraham believing that God would make his descendants as numerous as the stars, even though Abraham was ninety-nine years old at that point, and had been waiting a number of years for the birth of the son (Isaac) whom God had promised to him and Sarah (Genesis 15:1-6); or Rahab putting her faith in God into practice by receiving and hiding the spies whom the Israelites had sent out to survey the Promised Land, at the risk of her own life and safety (Joshua 2:1-21).

It would also include the other actions noted by James, such as providing food to the hungry, or clothing for those in need of it, as well those mentioned by Christ in speaking of the judgment at the close of the age (Matthew 25:35-36), such as caring for the sick, visiting those in prison, and showing hospitality to strangers. 

These are not meant to be all-inclusive lists, but examples of the way in which God's love can be communicated through believers to others (Including sharing of the gospel message). It is also not these types of deeds that save believers (which is solely through faith), but these deeds should be the response toward others of an individual who has received that salvation, performed out of thankfulness to God for it.

June 19 2019 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jeffrey Johnson Supporter

What are some examples of works, as in James 2: 14- 26?

Works in James 2:14–26

Biblical Examples James Gives

Abraham offering Isaac (2:21): His willingness to sacrifice Isaac showed trust expressed through costly obedience.

Rahab protecting the spies (2:25): Her actions demonstrated faith by risking her safety to shelter them and send them away safely.

Everyday Examples of "Works"

Meeting Practical Needs

Providing food, clothing, or care when someone lacks necessities (2:15–16).

Using your resources generously—money, possessions, skills—to help others.

Showing Mercy and Love

Offering forgiveness, kindness, or patience when someone wrongs you.

Returning kindness for rudeness and refusing to hold grudges.
Caring for the Vulnerable

Supporting widows, orphans, the sick, or the isolated through visits, protection, or practical help.

Checking on neighbours, bringing meals, or helping with tasks they cannot manage alone.

Serving Others

Giving time and effort to benefit someone else—helping a neighbour, supporting your church, or helping an overwhelmed friend.

Obedience in Daily Life

Choosing honesty, purity, humility, and self‑control when sin would be easier.

Speaking truth with love—encouraging, correcting gently, or standing for what is right.

Summary

James is not describing works that earn salvation. He is describing actions that reveal genuine faith—practical obedience, mercy, and love that make faith visible in real life.

11 days ago • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report