James 2:14-17

James 2:14 - To me this asks the question, can you be saved by faith alone.  It is a huge question.  Can Jesus save you by your faith in Him?  Do you have to do anything?  Must you not cheat on that math test or avoid adding a little "extra" details to your resume?  Or perhaps you have to go to church each weekend and help that one homeless person each Christmas?

James 2:15,16 - For example, let's say you are walking down the street when you recognize someone from church or in your neighborhood.  Perhaps it is just a fellow employee at work.  You ask them how they are doing, and instead of saying "fine", they tell you that they were just fired and have not the money for lunch nor a coat for the coming cold weather.  Think about the awkwardness of someone daring to tell the truth of how they are doing.  That statement I just made caused your heart to jump didn't it.  It is true though.  How many of you mentally sigh when someone says more than, "I'm fine, and you?"  If you listen and reply with, "Oh no!  I hope things improve."  What good did it do them?  Are they better off now than when they confided their desperate position to you?

James 2:17 - This should answer the question on if you can be saved by faith alone.  No, you can't.  Faith in Jesus and His love for you should change how you act.  I have seen some pretty grumpy people turn into disgustingly sweet romantics when they fell in love with a significant other.  It changed their whole attitude on life and interactions with others.  They were not so quick to anger.  Perhaps smiling more with that light-hearted look in their eyes.  Maybe even holding the door for the person behind them.