If you haven’t already, get out there and vote!

“He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant – not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.” (2 Corinthians 3:6)

Today’s verse is another example of Paul contrasting the Law and works versus faith in Christ Jesus. I often wonder what a conversation between Paul and James would look like. Noting that James wrote “You have faith; I have deeds.” – James 2:18. Because both are correct. What Paul says is consistent with the entire gospel message. Believe and have faith in Jesus; repent of your sins; and be saved. Yet what James claims is also biblically accurate. In that our salvation should have observable evidence in our daily lives (i.e. “the deeds”). Paul argues that faith is the only path to salvation, which is true. And James adds that our salvation should stimulate a change in heart, leading to outward signs mimicking the life of service that Jesus, Himself, has called us to. So these two men, Paul and James, look at the same coin from two different sides. Both are correct, and the only thought I will add to the picture is that Paul states an absolute. Have faith in our savior Jesus and be saved. There are no caveats claimed, or inferred, by this statement. Whereas James is more likely speaking of what “should” happen. Meaning, if we are saved by the mercy of God by faith in Jesus; then we should mirror Christ, and we should act out our faith with deeds. So would Paul and James “agree to disagree” would they greet each other lovingly and discuss the future Christianity. I don’t know, but I do believe that they both were strong men of God. Men who loved Jesus and wanted the absolute best for those they ministered. Today, be sure to do more listening than speaking. Like Paul and James, you as well, might have more in common with the other person than you had originally thought.