"James"

James has those lines that have bothered me because they go on about "works" along with faith, instead of faith alone. But, in light of the other recent book I read, I think I can put it into context.

Works alone cannot get you in God's graces. He needs your faith to tell you what works you should be doing. Sometimes all we need is faith and other times we need to add some works to show others our faith and bring them closer to God. And sometimes the works are just the fruit of our faith. It's not one or the other.

There are also some quotes that I find the hardest to obey or use in my life, like this one, "But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God." 1:19-20

And this one, "For judgement will be merciless to one who has shown no mercy; mercy triumphs over judgement." 2:13

"And the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace." 3:18

Are you catching the theme here? These are just one of my weaknesses. I pray daily for help here.