[14] Brothers and sisters, it doesn't make any sense to say you have faith and act in a way that denies that faith. Mere talk never gets you very far, and a commitment to Jesus only in words will not save you. [15] It would be like seeing a brother or sister without any clothes out in the cold and begging for food, and [16] saying, "Shalom, friend, you should get inside where it's warm and eat something," but doing nothing about his needs-leaving him cold and alone on the street. What good would your words alone do? [17] The same is true with faith. Without actions, faith is useless. By itself, it's as good as dead. [18] I know what you're thinking: "OK, you have faith. And I have actions. Now let's see your faith without works, and I'll show you a faith that works." [19] Do you think that just believing there's one God is going to get you anywhere? The demons believe that, too, and it terrifies them! [20] The fact is, faith has to show itself through works performed in faith. If you don't recognize that, then you're an empty soul.
