“Every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. In fulfilment of his own purpose he gave us birth by the word of truth, so that we would become a kind of first fruits of his creatures…If any think they are religious, and do not bridle their tongues but deceive their hearts, their religion is worthless. Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world. ” (James 1:17-18, 26-27).  We turn to the book of James this week.  Sometimes this little epistle is treated as if it is in contrast to the Pauline writings.  We see immediately here how false a notion that is.  The passage begins with God’s work.  Our Lord is the giver of all good things, including the new birth.  There is no other place to begin; there is no other way we may begin.  However, having received this gift of new life, you and I are also empowered to become givers, in particular, givers to those who cannot repay us (the orphans and the widows).   And so, James is reminding us that when we are generous, not only are we helping someone, we are actually participating in the divine work of our Triune God.  God is always giving perfectly and (in the words of Great is Thy Faithfulness) “there is no shadow of turning with Thee.”  God doesn’t change, as if he is sometimes generous, and other times grasping.  And all the while, our Lord is inviting us to allow him to give through us.  How are you doing with that aspect of following Christ?  Have a great week.