The answer is: Works

James 2:17 - The Epistle of James emphasizes that faith without works is dead, illustrating a profound connection between belief and action. This echoes Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 7:16 about recognizing people by their fruits. True faith manifests in deeds, marking believers as active participants in God’s kingdom, not mere spectators.

When we think about James's assertion that faith without works is dead, it’s exhilarating to connect it directly with our everyday lives! James, who was likely writing to address the early Christian community, brought practical advice home with a spiritual spice. His teachings call not for a passive belief system but rather ignite a fire to spur into actions. Imagine the vibrant classroom atmosphere as communities learned to roll up their sleeves and get involved instead of merely paying lip service to faith.

This dynamic between faith and action echoes Paul’s writings as well, particularly in his letters to the Galatians (5:6), where he states that love, demonstrated through actions, culminates their faith journey. It’s wonderful how these early texts link hands across the scriptures, showcasing an interwoven tapestry of beliefs pushing the narrative of a living faith—one that flourishes through genuine effort.

And here's a fun fact: in non-canonical texts like the Didache, an early Christian writing that provides insights into the ethical instructions followed by believers, the same theme appears: live out your faith through ethical conduct and community care. So, when you ponder what it means to have a living faith, recall the life of early believers and envision how their works flowed from their vibrant beliefs into real community transformation! Isn’t it wild to think that this call to action reverberates today just as it did centuries ago?