This allows people not only back then, but nowadays too, to apply His word to our lives. A genuine faith in Christ will produce real changes in a person’s behavior and character. If there is no change, than clearly the person doesn’t have true faith in Christ. James advises Christians to learn how to control what they say, to avoid showing favoritism to the wealthy, to care for the sick and needy, and to make a point of them putting their faith into action. James is truly a practical book on the teachings of true faith in people’s everyday lives. It investigates Christian conduct from several points of view and shifts quite regularly from topic to topic. James makes it quite apparent that a true faith in Christ perseveres under trials, resists daily temptations, responds to the Word of God, overcomes prejudice, produces good works and deeds, controls what we say, manifests wisdom, submits to God rather than worldly pleasure, and doesn’t look to wealth for a good life. James shows us that our faith will be evident in how we face trials, in how we treat people, in what we say, in how we deal with sin in our lives, and in our prayer life. Truly, our faith will only become evident as we mature in Jesus Christ.
Elwell, Walter A., and Robert W. Yarbrough. Encountering the New Testament: a Historical and Theological Survey. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 1998. Print.
Gaebelein, Frank E. The Expositors Bible Commentary. Zondervan, 1990.