Read James 2:26

James closes this passage with a vivid image—a body without breath. Without the Spirit’s life, a body is motionless. Without works of love, faith is lifeless. The point isn’t that good works earn salvation, but that they are evidence of salvation’s presence. Real faith breathes, moves, and loves because Jesus Himself lives within you.

When you placed your trust in Christ, His Spirit breathed life into you. You were raised from spiritual death to newness of life. Now, that life expresses itself through action—through love that serves, mercy that restores, and obedience that glorifies God. Faith and works are not rivals; they are inseparable companions in the life of a disciple.

This is the heartbeat of the gospel: Jesus didn’t save you just to believe in Him—He saved you to become like Him. As His Spirit moves in you, your faith comes alive in daily moments of compassion, forgiveness, and obedience. Each act of love becomes a testimony that the living Christ dwells within you.

Faith that comes alive isn’t about religious performance – it’s about a relationship with Jesus – the One who created you, sustains you, and faithfully leads you. The more you walk with Jesus, the more your life begins to radiate with His love. That’s when faith stops being a concept and becomes a living, breathing reality that changes you, and the world around you.

Reflection Questions:

• What image stands out most to you in this verse?
  
• How does the Holy Spirit bring your faith to life?
  
• Where do you see evidence of living faith in your daily actions?
  
• How could you show Christ’s life through love today?

Journaling Prompt:

Take time to thank Jesus for breathing life into your faith. Reflect on one way you want His Spirit to make your love more active this week.