14 What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone? 15 Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, 16 and you say, “Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well”—but then you don’t give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do?
17 So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless.
This scripture in James may sound contradictory compared to other scriptures in the Bible. The Bible does teach that our salvation is by faith alone. We have been taught that all you have to do is believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved. This is a true statement. Salvation is a gift that is not very hard to get. When you come to God with a repented heart and believe, you are saved. It doesn't stop right there. Salvation starts internally (your heart) and it is supposed to work itself out externally (mind, will, emotions, behavior, ect..). This scripture is not a contradiction. Your faith should be displayed by works. Your actions and behaviors should reflect what you believe and who you believe.
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