The book of James reigns supreme in practicality as far as any NT book is concerned. I’ve heard it referred to as: “The Proverbs of the New Testament.” In particular we are shown what faith should look like as it interacts with life.
This list is not completely comprehensive, but it is both humbling and challenging. Let’s look into this mirror of the soul (James 1:23) and then get down on our knees in prayer so we’ll have the strength to make any changes we need to make. Remember, many of those changes may not save you, but they will certainly make your journey sweeter.
- Faith receives trials with joy (1:2).
- Faith believes in prayer (1:5-6).
- Faith keeps things in perspective, whether in poverty or riches (1:9-11).
- Faith remains steadfast (1:1).
- Faith understands temptation (1:14-15).
- Faith appreciates the generosity of God (1:18).
- Faith is quick to hear and slow to react and rebel (1:19-21).
- Faith is a doer of the word (1:22).
- Faith bridles the tongue (1:26).
- Faith attends those in need and keeps himself pure (1:27).
- Faith is not partial to the rich (2:1-7).
- Faith loves his neighbor (2:8).
- Faith keeps all of God’s law (2:10-11).
- Faith is merciful (2:13).
- Faith has works (2:14) or it is dead (2:26).
- Faith bridles the tongue (3:1-5).
- Faith blesses our Lord and Father (3:9-10).
- Faith does not curse his fellow man (3:9-10).
- Faith works in meekness (3:13).
- Faith is pure, peaceable and reasonable (3:17).
- Faith is not quarrelsome (4:1).
- Faith is not selfish (4:3).
- Faith is not proud (4:6).
- Faith has a pure heart (4:7).
- Faith does not speak evil (4:11).
- Faith does not plan without God (4:13-17).
- Faith does not keep back by fraud (5:4).
- Faith is not self-indulgent (5:5).
- Faith is patient and waits on the Lord (5:7).
- Faith has an established heart (5:8).
- Faith does not grumble (5:9).
- Faith is steadfast; it endures (5:11).
- Faith is true to its word (5:12).
- Faith turns to God in times of trouble (5:13).
- Faith sings in times of joy (5:13).
- Faith trusts in prayer (5:14-15).
- Faith confesses sin and prays for one another (5:16).
- Faith seeks to bring back the wandering brother (5:19-20).
Daren Schroeder
