"This you know, my beloved brethren.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. Therefore, putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls, But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror; for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was. But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man will be blessed in what he does.
If anyone thinks himself to be religious, and yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this man 's religion is worthless. Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this; to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world." James 1:19-27
I am so enjoying reading through the book of James right now. This section of verses is so inspiring and encouraging. I love the balance that it has in it. It reminds me that I want to dig down deep in God's word and learn everything that I can but then I want to do what it says! And part of what it says is to help those that need help (and this is truly on my heart!) and then to strive for purity- to not be stained by the sin that is in this world.
These verses challenged me. I hope you are encouraged and challenged by them as well!
