In the Epistles, we see different pictures of faith; varied expressions and dimensions that together form a robust understanding of the believer’s faith walk. Apostle Paul teaches us that we can’t please God without it (Hebrews 11:6). He also explains that faith is the channel through which we access the grace the Father has so benevolently bestowed on us (Romans 5:2). Yet again, he mentions that for faith to be effective, it has to be accompanied by love (Galatians 5:6).

Beyond Paul, the other Apostles who authored the Epistles also unveiled critical dimensions of faith. These are not to be treated as optional perspectives, but as essential truths that ensure our faith is both productive and effectual.

It is famously said that Apostle James’ epistle is the New Testament equivalent of Proverbs. Little wonder, then, that the dimension of faith he brought to bear was faith as a partner to works. In James’ writings, we see faith not as a passive, abstract belief, but as something active, visible, and functional. When you combine all these apostolic insights on faith, a fullness emerges; a faith that pleases God, accesses grace, is rooted in love, and produces results.

Of the plethora of scriptures that discuss this, let’s examine James 2:14–24 to understand how faith employs specific attributes to become effectual:

“What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit?

Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe — and tremble!

But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead? Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect? And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” And he was called the friend of God. You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only”. — James 2:14–24 (NKJV)

This scripture paints a portrait, describing two groups of people:

1. The first set is content to only profess their faith in God, without any evidence of corresponding action.

2. The second set demonstrates their faith by what they do.

The question then is, how is that “works” defined?

In most quarters, the definition of “works” is interpreted to mean the actions of the believer, that is, putting in effort. For example, if you’re believing God for a job, then preparing your CV, submitting it, and networking are considered the work components to that faith. While that holds some truth in application, the immediate context of this scripture highlights two specific kinds of works: obedience (as seen in Abraham) and generosity (as seen in the example of meeting a brother or sister’s needs).

We can further stretch this thought to mean love towards God expressed through obedience, and love towards people expressed through deep, actionable care and generosity.

This context is also explained by Apostle Paul in Galatians where he describes faith as working by love.

Apostle James introduces obedience and generosity as crucial ingredients needed to communicate faith effectively.

Apostle James is reminding us that true faith isn’t passive. It moves. It acts. It gives. It obeys.

My second question is, how does one actually express obedience toward God and generosity toward people?

Obedience toward God flows from trust. Abraham trusted that God could provide for Himself a sacrifice, or at worst, raise his son from the dead. That kind of blind, unwavering trust produced total obedience. It’s not that Abraham wasn’t emotionally torn; it’s that his faith had matured to the point where God’s word carried more weight than his feelings. His trust in God empowered his obedience to God.

Generosity toward people, on the other hand, is born from compassion. The compassion in our hearts moves us to act not just out of duty, but from a deep desire to see people experience the fullness of God’s design for their lives. It makes us willing to give our time, our resources, our gifts, whatever we have, in partnership with God, for the growth and transformation of others. Compassion turns love from a feeling into a movement.

So, by trust-empowered obedience and compassion-energized generosity, Apostle James calls us to a faith that doesn’t merely profess, but one that performs. A faith that is not just inwardly convinced but outwardly compelling. To be effective, our faith must employ the labour of love, expressed in both obedience to God and generosity to people.

Obedience and generosity give visibility to your faith beyond words, bringing it alive and potent, just like Abraham’s faith, which didn’t stop at belief but culminated in action.

So just like Apostle James admonished, I encourage you as well; if you believe God, you do well, but beyond belief, show me your faith by your works.

Have a blessed and productive week ahead.

For His glory and His renown,

Olayinka Adebayo

@layinkadebayo