Thoughts and Prayers Versus Actions
One of our readings this week at church was James 2:14-18, and it really stirred something in me. The scripture says:
What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister has nothing to wear and has no food for the day, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, keep warm, and eat well,” but you do not give them the necessities of the body, what good is it? So also faith of itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
Indeed someone might say, “You have faith and I have works.” Demonstrate your faith to me without works, and I will demonstrate my faith to you from my works. -James 2:14-18
“Thoughts and prayers” versus “action” has made its way to the forefront of social media debate, and I honestly see validity on both sides of the argument. Offering our prayers for others going through difficult situations usually comes from a place of compassion and love, but it has been attacked as a detached act. I completely disagree. Sometimes people just don’t know what to do, so they pray for help, guidance, and the ability to work toward a solution. There is a power in prayer, and knowing that people are offering prayers during a situation like an illness or natural disaster provides a measure of comfort. Daily, I pray for many people. For someone having surgery, I pray for a successful procedure and quick and complete recovery. For someone experiencing turmoil in their lives, I pray that peace and clarity will come.
Prayers are wonderful, but we also have to take action where we can. Obviously we can’t assist a surgeon, but we can visit our friend in the hospital, bring a meal to their family, walk their dogs, help with transportation, etc. For our friend going through a tough time, take time to listen to the friend, help with the children, send him or her a letter of encouragement; just be a good friend.
Even when something happens that doesn’t directly affect us, we can still pray and find ways to take action. Children in our neighborhood in Texas wanted to do something to help those who are suffering the effects of Hurricane Florence in the Carolinas. They held a bake sale and lemonade stand to raise money for diapers and wipes for children and clean drinking water. They accepted clothing donations too. Using coupons and the money they raised, they purchased the diapers, wipes, and water. Everything was taken to a nearby volunteer fire department to be delivered to the victims. I was moved to tears by the compassion of these children, many who experienced the devastation of Hurricane Harvey last year. Another woman in our neighborhood has had an overwhelming response to adopting a family displaced by Hurricane Florence.
These actions are a stronger show of our faith than prayers alone. Both are good, but if possible, always choose a path of action. Exhibiting kindness to others is the hallmark of our faith and our communities. Continue to pray and to look for opportunities to help others in whatever capacity we are able to do. Give thanks to those who find ways to help, and pray that we can have vision to see opportunities and the discipline to seize ways to help others. The world will be a much better place!
I came across this Forbes article with information about “Helping out After Hurricane Florence.”
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