Exploring the Scripture
James begins with a letter’s greeting, but the writing more closely resembles a sermon built on wisdom and pithy sayings parallel to the sayings of Jesus. Designed to help Christians live in the community, James strongly emphasizes peace and justice. James is the most socially conscious writings in the New Testament.
James holds a special place in Community of Christ because of the connection between James 1:5 and Joseph Smith Jr. seeking God’s will in Palmyra’s grove. Also, the scriptural basis for our sacrament of laying on of hands for the sick is found in James. The author may have been James, the brother of Jesus, but many scholars believe it was a later disciple of James who preserved the apostle’s teachings.
Today’s passage begins with God’s gracious act of creation and bountiful blessings. The Creator, the Father of Lights, spoke the Word that created humankind (v. 18). This theological statement could also refer to Christ as the incarnate Word, bringing about rebirth and redemption. In either case, humankind is intended as the first fruits of God’s labors, a goal that challenges us to be the best we can be.
Being at our best requires disciples to improve specific behaviors. Top on the list is being “quick to listen, slow to speak, [and] slow to anger” (v. 19). The theme of anger often occurs in Wisdom literature, and James stresses it in later verses. By grace, God “implants” the Word in our souls, where it grows and thrives if we rid ourselves of the “rank growth of wickedness” which too often takes root (v. 21).
The living Word of Christ has the power to “save your souls” if disciples move from simply mouthing Christ’s teachings to making them live through Christian acts (v. 21). “…[B]e doers of the word, and not merely hearers…” (v. 22). Those who fail to transform their beliefs into deeds are like people who only recognize themselves in a mirror while gazing steadfastly into the reflection. They forget who they are and act like someone else when they walk away. It is an image of hypocrisy and self-deception.
If the mirror is “the perfect law” of love, it frees followers from focusing on themselves (v. 25). When love shines in a person’s actions and decisions, the reflection in the mirror focuses on others. Yet, the disciple keeps the identity of a faithful follower of Christ. They don’t forget who they are, and others recognize them through their deeds. “[T]hey’ll know we are Christians by our love…” (Peter Scholtes, “We Are One in the Spirit,” Community of Christ Sings 359).
James provides examples of genuine, heartfelt religion in verses 26–27. Truly religious people guard their tongue, care for orphans and widows, and don’t allow the brokenness of the world to rule their hearts and lives.
This passage carefully balances the theology of grace and the theology of works. God’s gift of birth and rebirth is a gift of grace, unearned. The gospel is implanted in our hearts by grace alone. Our response is to put into action the love we have received. Our response is to share that love with others and care for their needs. James stresses the need for action and doing throughout the writing, but grace lurks in the background, never forgotten. In the last few decades, Community of Christ has journeyed from an emphasis on works to a theology of grace.
Project Zion Podcast
Hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith consider how this week's scripture connects to our lives today.
Central Ideas
- Designed to help Christians live in community with one another, the book of James has a strong emphasis on peace and justice
- James challenges disciples to move from simply mouthing Christ’s teachings to making them live through Christian action.
- This passage carefully balances the theology of grace and the theology of works. We respond to God’s gift of grace by putting the love we have received into action.
- In the last few decades, Community of Christ has journeyed from an emphasis on works to a theology of grace.
Questions to Consider
- How have you struggled with hypocrisy in your own life? When are you most tempted to avoid living the faith you declare?
- What do you see when you gaze into the mirror of God’s perfect law of love? How does that help you stay centered in your Christian identity?
- What evidence is there that Community of Christ has moved from a theology of works to one of grace?