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17 Every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. 18 In fulfillment of his own purpose he gave us birth by the word of truth, so that we would become a kind of first fruits of his creatures. 19 You must understand this, my beloved: let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger; 20 for your anger does not produce God's righteousness. 21 Therefore rid yourselves of all sordidness and rank growth of wickedness, and welcome with meekness the implanted word that has the power to save your souls. 22 But be doers of the word, and not merely hearers who deceive themselves. 23 For if any are hearers of the word and not doers, they are like those who look at themselves in a mirror; 24 for they look at themselves and, on going away, immediately forget what they were like. 25 But those who look into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and persevere, being not hearers who forget but doers who act—they will be blessed in their doing. 26 If any think they are religious, and do not bridle their tongues but deceive their hearts, their religion is worthless. 27 Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world. (James 1:17-27 NRSV)
Have you ever received a gift that you were thankful and happy to receive yet never used it? A book a well-meaning friend wanted you to read and now it sits caked with dust. A watch that never quite fit you well and you never really thought it was "you," so you never wore it and the battery died years ago and the trouble it would take to get to it replaced was not quite worth the effort? Here's one: God made you a gift, and you've not given yourself away? James believes, and rightfully so, that you and are were made as gifts. The gift part is what our purpose and meaning enables us to do for Him and for His people. We have either not yet discovered what that gift is, or we have been shy or lazy in trying to fully discover what we can truly do and truly be. James adds that God is unchanging, and in giving us birth, "By the word of truth," we can become among "the first fruite of His creatures." To be a creature of God truly is the starting point of being a gift. James says that by our first being eager to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, we have shared a lot to others. A person who does not anger easily, is rare. A person who is ready to listen, especially with someone who is having problems or worries, is a blessing. And one who holds his/her tongue when others would automatically share much, is also a blessing.
James says we must work on ridding ourselves of sordidness and wickedness, and replace it with the word of God which can, and does, save our lives, and we begin by living (doing) the word, and not be those who sit Sunday after Sunday in hearing all about what could be done and never stand and do any of it. James' description is perfect: It's like looking in a mirror and as soon as we turn away we forget what we were wearing and what we are like. But if we look into the word of God and begin to live it, we will be blessed as well as blessing others. We are called to move away from being just religious and become truly believers in a fruitful and faithful relationship with God; that is true religion. James' description is perfect: "Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world." This reminds me of an end of the year atricle some years back when a noted writer and speaker and preacher was asked what would be the greatest act in religion in the coming New Year? Would it be the unification of large denominations, or would major strides be made in theology with the publication of a stellar book that would help many better understand God? No, replied the writer, it just may be that one Sunday morning, in a small church, a little girl may realize right then and there, that God loved her enough to send Jesus, and that moment would mark the start of a lifelong relationship with God for that little girl."
Could it be you that invited that little girl to church and thus your gift back to God? Could it be that you handed that little girl the bulletin, made her smile and helped her find a seat or worship or showed her which Sunday school class could be hers?
True religion, according to James, involves caring for the vulnerable—orphans and widows—and remaining unstained by the world. It’s not about outward appearances or empty rituals but about genuine compassion and integrity.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, Thank You for the incredible gifts You pour into our lives, including the gift of Your Word which guides and transforms us. We acknowledge that Your ways are higher than our ways, and we seek to reflect Your righteousness in all we do. Help us to be not just hearers of Your Word but doers as well. Teach us to listen with empathy, speak with grace, and act with integrity. Guide us to serve those in need and to keep ourselves pure from the distractions of this world. Help us become the gift You meant for us; in Christ Jesus we pray, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! YOUR CALL TO ACTION: Start with practicing listening. To God, to the vulnerable. Then serve with commitment and compassion, and seek to maintain purity within from God. Make a difference in being a great gift to all!
I love you and I thank God for you!
Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.
