New Testament

Allie Meers

Dr. Hix

04/20/17

Reflection #4

Reflection #4 - James

        In the book of James, all throughout the 5 chapters, there are many examples of what he calls us to do in relation to the poor in our cities. It is said, that the material in James is very closely related to the teaching of Jesus. As I was reading through the book of James, I picked out some things that I believe are examples of what he calls us to do when it is relating to the poor in our cities.

        In James, it covers faith and works, oppressing the poor, pure religion, wisdom, temptation, and rejoicing in trials. In James 2 verse 8, it relates to loving your neighbor as yourself. With this, it shows that you should treat the poor as you would want to be treated. In James 2:13, it points out “...because judgement without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Murphy triumphs over judgement.”. One of the major verses that stood out to me about what he calls us to do in relation to the poor is in James 2:14-17. In these verses, it talks about what good is it to have faith but no deeds. One example it gives is if a brother or sister is without clothes and food. If nothing is done about their physical needs, what good is it? In James 2:17 it says, “Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action is dead.”.

        Another way he calls us in relation to the poor is with our words. In James 3:5, it is saying that a careless or wrongly placed word out of your mouth can turn harmony into chaos, ruin the world and as said in James 3:5-6, “By our speech, we can send the whole world up in smoke and go up in smoke with it.”. Overall, it shows the way we should treat the poor, what we should do for them, how we should talk to them, and treat them like our brothers and sisters. We are all equal and made to all get along with one another in harmony, and this starts with each and every person treating the other person how they should be treated, even if they are labeled poor.