I AM A FRIEND OF GOD

"And the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness, and he was called God’s friend.” (James 2:23 NIV)

While listening on Sunday to the worship team sing, “I am a friend of God”, I remembered the apostle James using this verse to make a point about faith and deeds. He gave us the example of Abraham, who believed God’s promises regardless of the length of time it took for them to be accomplished. But what is beautiful about the story of Abraham is that he did not fail to believe even when he did not see it happening immediately. He waited on God no matter what his surrounding circumstances were. WOW! How many of us wait patiently to see God’s work fulfilled? Or do we give God a little hand and do it our way? Another point I would like to make is

It says that “Abraham believed, and it was credited to him as righteousness...” Well, Abraham did have his faults like any other human, but he did follow through in his obedience. He did what God told him to do.
His faith was credited as righteousness because he not only believed but obeyed what the Lord commanded. It’s not simply a matter of believing, but of taking action in obedience to God. The apostle gives us a good example: ‘suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, “Go, I wish you well: keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?”

Abraham’s faith and his actions were working together. (v. 22) The apostle summarized it in this verse “You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone.”(James 2:24) The scriptures have given us the answer to our friendship with God – let’s believe it and act on it!

God Bless,
Vanessa