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James 2:1 …how can you claim to have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ if you favor
James 2:15 Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, and you say, “Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well”—but then you don’t give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do?
It is truly a terrible thing when somebody attempts to grow in their love for God without growing in their love for people.
Mother Teresa, in Words to Love By writes it this way:
“The greatest disease in the West today is not tuberculosis or leprosy; it is being unwanted, unloved, and uncared for. We can cure physical diseases with medicine, but the only cure for loneliness, despair, and hopelessness is love. There are many in the world who are dying for a piece of bread but there are many more dying for a little love.
At the end of life we will not be judged by how many diplomas we have received, how much money we have made, how many great things we have done. We will be judged by ‘I was hungry and you gave me something to eat. I was naked and you clothed me. I was homeless and you took me in.’”
READING & PRAYERS:
JAMES 2:14-26 (also read the commentary notes in your Study Bible of choice.)
QUESTION: What thoughts come to mind as you read through Mother Teresa’s quote?
REAL LIFE PRACTICE: Practice breath prayers throughout the day. Breathe in with the first part of the prayer, then exhale with the second. Some examples include: “Lord Jesus, have mercy on me, a sinner.” “Speak Lord, I am listening.” “You are the potter, I am the clay.” “Peace. Be still.”
Take a Step: Remember to continue utilizing the One Minute Pause app throughout the week. If possible, begin to explore and practice the 3, 5 or 10 minute pause to more deeply root yourself in Christ.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I confess that far too often I live thinking that I need to be “successful” – highly educated, making money, and leaving behind a legacy. But this is a highly self-centered way of living. Continue to reveal to me that real success is to die to my own desires and to submit to God’s purpose for my life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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