Curious Christian

I have been reflecting on the relationship between the good news and good works, particularly in respect to social justice.

I affirm that we are saved by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9). I also affirm that faith that is not accompanied by action, is dead (James 2:17) and that we show our faith by our deeds (James 2:19). I do not see these affirmations as contradictory but as complementary. To join the dots, good works are the inevitable outcome of the good news well received, as it overflows our hearts and pours out into our lives.

So we are saved by faith, yes, but faith that has saved will be accompanied by love (Galatians 5:6). Love that is active and unselfish. And what of justice? Justice is simply what this love looks like in public. The prophets cried out repeatedly for his people to prioritise the most vulnerable in society, whom God loved (Deuteronomy 24:14 and Isaiah 1:17). Are we who identify as Christians listening?