What Real Faith Looks Like
A lot of Christians and people today know about Jesus. They’ve heard sermons, grown up in church, followed Christian accounts online, and maybe even memorized a few verses at some point. But the book of James calls believers in Jesus Christ to a higher standard. Let’s discuss what real faith looks like.
In James 1:19-27, James challenges us to raise the bar—not just in what we say we believe, but in how we live, talk, react, and treat people every day.
If you want to follow along with these verses and you don’t have your bible, read them here.
What Real Faith Looks Like: Being Quick to Listen
James starts with something that sounds simple but is actually very hard: listen first.
James 1:19a “Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear”
Most of us are thinking about what we’re going to say while someone else is still talking. But you can’t talk and truly listen at the same time. Sometimes the wisest move is to just stop talking.
Listening is a selfless move. It shifts the focus off of you and onto someone else. And honestly, most sin comes from being selfish—doing what we want instead of caring about others.
If you learn to listen well, your friendships, dating relationships, and future marriage will be healthier. Being “others-aware” instead of being self-focused changes everything.
Slow Down Before You Speak
James then says to be slow to speak.
James 1:19b “…slow to speak, slow to anger”
Translation: don’t say the first thing that pops into your head.
We’re emotional people—every single one of us. And when emotions run high, wisdom usually runs low. A lot of damage happens when we speak too fast and don’t think it through.
So how should we respond? Slow down. Think. Pray.
If you know you’re about to have a hard conversation, write out what you want to say before you say it. It’s a simple habit that can save relationships.
Your words matter. Being slow to speak honors you, honors others, and honors God.
Slow to Anger
Let’s be honest—anger is justified sometimes. But James says to be slow to anger for a reason.
James 1:20 “for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.”
Anger itself isn’t always sinful, but most of the time it pushes us to react in ways we regret. James says that human anger does not produce God’s righteousness. In other words, anger rarely makes things better.
Whether it’s frustration with friends, family, teammates, coworkers, or siblings—anger usually escalates the situation instead of fixing it. God calls us to respond differently.
Ephesians 4:26 “Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger”
Get Rid of What’s Holding You Back
James doesn’t tiptoe around this next part. He says to get rid of the filth and sin in your life.
James 1:21 “Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.”
When we read that verse, something might come to mind right away. A habit. A relationship. A secret. If it did, that’s not an accident.
James says to put it away. Repent. Don’t delay it. Don’t justify it.
And instead, receive God’s Word with humility. Be teachable. Be coachable. God can’t change a heart that refuses correction—but He does incredible things with people who are willing to learn.
Don’t Just Hear the Word—Live It
This is one of James’ biggest points: don’t just listen—do something with it.
James 1:22 “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.”
Imagine spending years studying how to fly a plane and then refusing to ever get in one. That’s what faith without action looks like.
Church, Bible studies, podcasts, and sermons are important—but they aren’t the finish line. They’re meant to move you to action.
Jesus didn’t call people to just listen. He called them to follow Him. That means living out what you believe at school, at work, online, and with your friends—not just on Sundays.
Do we act differently when we are around other believers, or are we consistent? We are called to consistently walk out or faith and live our lives at a higher standard.
Hearing is easy. Doing is the next step. Jesus came to make disciples. Action is what separates us from being a listener and a disciple.
What Real Faith Looks Like Through Love and Action
James wraps it all up with two clear signs of real faith:
Love people who are in need.
Care about others. Help them. Show up for them. Jesus did this constantly, and He calls us to do the same.
Don’t let the world shape you.
You’re called to be in the world, not of it. That means knowing who you are in Christ and living differently—even when it’s uncomfortable.
Final Challenge: Raise the Bar
James makes it simple:
Listen — to others and to God
Do — what God says, not just what feels good
Love — people the way Jesus loves
Perfection is not the expectation. But we are called to something higher. And through the power of the Holy Spirit we can strive for something better, holier and more authentic.
So raise the bar. Step out of the stands. Get in the game. And live a life that looks more like Jesus.
