Be Doers of the Word

James 1:22 (TCENT)But be doers of the word, and not hearers only. Otherwise, you are deceiving yourselves.

Let’s get up and walk the walk with Jesus! It’s so easy to talk the talk. The walk takes effort!

I am fortunate to participate in a very collegial adult Sunday School class at First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee! Here are some examples of how classmates walk that walk.

Mike was motivated to participate in Celebrate Recovery by his wife Sandy. He tells me that he is willing to pitch in with any role that Jesus would ask him to fill, and that ranges from helping with the church sound system to being the go to person every Sunday that opens class with prayer.

Shirley says that God gives us many given abilities. Hers is the motivation to serve at Welcome Table. Welcome Table offers a free hot evening meal every Thursday as a very successful community outreach to personify God’s love.

Jesus tells us in Matthew 25:40, “Even when you did it for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did it unto me.”

Bernice also participates in Celebrate Recovery and Welcome Table, along with other means of service at First United Methodist. Her motivation comes from a ladies conference weekend years ago where she felt the presence of Jesus in her midst, and He had a message for her: “Go teach My words!” which she has with consistency, enthusiasm, and determination.

So let’s follow their examples and get out there and go do!

James writes in Chapter 2:17, “Thus faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.”

Find your way to reach out and help your brothers, sisters, and children. Jesus tells us that when you do so, you are doing it unto Him. There are so many ways to consistently personify that love!

Find yours!

Let us pray:

God above, in this world of hurt and need, guide us to go and do your will. Is it simply purchasing and donating that extra can of food, or is it more? Open our hearts and minds to do your will! Amen.

This devotion was written and recorded by Sam Barto.

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

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First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose goal is to spread the message of love and grace into our community and throughout the world. We are located on the web at https://1stchurch.org/.