Blessed in our doing

Our Epistle reading in James this week teaches us to be “doers of the word.” James goes on to describe “pure and undefiled religion” that addresses orphans and widows in their affliction.

Some people think that what we believe is less important than what we do. And, in fact, I can think of many people who do meaningful, kind, and courageous things for others that exemplify goodness regardless of whether they were acting out of religious knowledge or conviction. I’ve been served by healthcare professionals, teachers, first-responders, trades people, neighbors, and many others that have stood by me and those I love to provide compassion, care, practical and financial help, and comfort when it was most needed—many of whom were not Christians.

And so, I wonder, what makes what we do any different than what all good people do whether or not they are Christians?

Our readings this week help us understand what makes us uniquely “blessed in our doing.”