Live Your Faith: A Call to Action from James 5
Pastor Victoria Sowell
Faith is more than belief; it’s action. It’s how we live, how we speak, how we treat others, and how we respond to life’s challenges. James 5 offers a compelling message about what it truly means to live out faith in everyday life. Click the link above for the full message.
The Danger of Wealth Without Integrity
James warns against wealth that is accumulated unjustly. Money itself isn’t the issue, but the heart behind it. When wealth is pursued at the expense of others, it leads to corruption and suffering. Wealth without generosity leads to spiritual decay, and God takes notice of those who exploit others for financial gain. Earthly riches are temporary and cannot secure an eternal future. The cries of the oppressed are heard by the Lord, and He will bring justice in His time. True faith prioritizes integrity, generosity, and justice over the pursuit of wealth for selfish gain.
Hoarding wealth without generosity leads to decay.
Cheating others for financial gain will not go unnoticed by God.
Earthly riches are temporary; they cannot secure an eternal future.
The cries of those wronged reach the ears of the Lord Almighty.
Patience in Suffering: Trusting in God’s Timing
Suffering and hardship are unavoidable, but James encourages patience. He points to the farmer who waits for rain, trusting that it will come at the right time. Life’s struggles often tempt us to seek quick fixes or immediate relief, but endurance produces character. Patience is an act of faith, believing that God is working even when we cannot see the results yet. Complaining about our circumstances or about others does not lead to growth, but trusting God’s timing does. Just as Job endured trials and was later blessed, our perseverance in faith will not be in vain.
Patience is an act of trust in God’s timing.
Complaining against others leads to division, not growth.
The prophets endured hardship but remained faithful—so should we.
Job’s story reminds us that perseverance leads to blessing.
Let Your Yes Be Yes: The Power of Honest Words
James calls for a life of integrity, especially in speech. Oaths and elaborate promises aren’t necessary when we live truthfully. A person known for honesty doesn’t need to over-explain or swear by anything; their word is enough. Trust is built on consistency and authenticity, and as followers of Christ, our words should reflect our faith. Exaggeration or dishonesty damages credibility, but truthful communication honors God. A faithful life is one where actions and words align with righteousness.
A person of faith should be known for honesty.
Exaggeration and false promises undermine credibility.
Simple, direct, truthful communication honors God.
Integrity in speech reflects integrity in life.
The Power of Prayer in Every Season
James highlights prayer as the response to all of life’s circumstances. Whether in trouble, in joy, or in sickness, prayer is the key. Prayer is not just about asking for things; it is about staying connected to God in every moment. When we face difficulties, prayer brings comfort and guidance. When we experience joy, prayer turns our gratitude into worship. Even in sickness, prayer brings healing—sometimes physically, but always spiritually. Elijah’s example in Scripture reminds us that passionate, persistent prayer has real power.
When suffering, pray.
When joyful, give praise.
When sick, seek prayer and anointing from the church.
The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.
Bringing Back Those Who Wander
James closes with a challenge: if someone strays from the truth, help bring them back. Faith is not just a personal journey; it is also about helping others walk in truth. When a brother or sister is struggling, ignoring their struggles is not love—reaching out and encouraging them is. Restoring someone spiritually requires patience, compassion, and a willingness to speak truth in love. When we invest in others’ faith, we help them experience God’s grace anew. Covering over sin does not mean hiding it but rather guiding someone back to God’s mercy and forgiveness.
Faith is not just personal; it’s communal.
If a brother or sister is struggling, reach out.
Restoring someone spiritually is an act of love.
Covering over sin means guiding them back to God’s grace.
Other Links
Want to hear more? Check out last week’s message titled, Faith That Works by Pastor Victoria Sowell on YouTube.