Definition: Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this important verse from James 2:24. It's a really powerful statement about how we gain God’s acceptance and forgiveness. Here’s the explanation in simpler terms: Basically, the verse says: “By doing good things – by showing love, kindness, and helping others – a man is justified (declared right with God) rather than just relying on his own efforts or beliefs alone.” Let's unpack that a little further: “By works” : This refers to actions we take – our behavior. It’s not about thinking good things; it’s about doing them. “A man is justified” : "Justified" means being declared right with God, like a criminal being released from jail. It's about God seeing our sincere desire to follow His will and loving Him. “Not by faith only” : This is the crucial part. “Faith” in this context isn’t just believing something – it’s trusting in God and accepting that He loves us, even when we make mistakes. It's a belief that guides our actions. "Only" means it's not enough to simply believe; you must act on that belief. So, the whole verse is saying: We don’t earn God’s favor by being good – we get it by living a life that reflects His love and goodness through our actions. It emphasizes that genuine faith leads to real transformation and acceptance. Think of it this way: Imagine you want to be a good person. You might try to be nice, kind, and helpful. That’s doing good things – that's showing your faith. But if you only believe in God, and don't actually act on that belief, you won't be justified. Does this verse have a big impact? Absolutely! It’s a reminder that our relationship with God is about more than just what we say or think – it’s about how we live our lives. It encourages us to focus on showing love and kindness – the very things that lead to God’s acceptance. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Give a real-life example of this principle?