Continuing our thought from yesterday, we are to be sensitive to our brothers and sisters in Christ as discussed in James 2. 

James describes “a brother or sister.” In New Testament vocabulary, this referred to a fellow believer. He is not talking about a stranger, but one who shares faith in Christ. Take note of today’s verse for further explanation. 

James says this fellow believer is “naked.” This does not mean literally naked but not adequately clothed. We can relate it to a person who does not have a warm coat for the winter. The idea is someone who is “in rags.”

James pictures this poor Christian as being “destitute of daily food,” which refers to a person without a day’s worth of food, literally not knowing where the next meal will come from.

What kind of Christian sends a needy brother away but does not “give them the things which are needed for the body?” Again, James asks, “What does it profit?” Such faith, such Christianity, such salvation is no good to the one in need and it is no good to the one who claims it. Genuine believers, sensitive Christians do works that authenticate their faith in Christ.

James goes on to say that “faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.” A person who claims to be saved but does nothing in service to God or man is not really saved after all.