“If any man thinketh himself to be religious, while he bridleth not his tongue but deceiveth his heart, this man’s religion is vain. Pure religion and undefiled before our God and Father is this, to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.” (James 1:26-27)
In today’s passage we learn about the essence of true religion, challenging superficial displays of piety and highlighting the importance of both speech and action in our Christian life. Here we are invited to examine the authenticity of our faith and live it out in a way that is pleasing to God. James warns that if a man considers himself to be religious but does not bridle his tongue, his religion is vain. James is speaking of the importance of self-control, particularly in speech. The tongue, though small, can cause great harm if not disciplined. Careless or malicious words reveal a heart that is not fully surrendered to the Lord. True religion requires mastery over one’s speech, “for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.” (Luke 6:45) If our words contradict our professed faith, we deceive ourselves, and our outward religious practices become empty and worthless.
What is pure religion? It is not mere ritual observance or external shows of piety, but rather, it is marked by love and compassion for those in need. James specifically mentions visiting the fatherless and widows in their affliction. In Biblical times, orphans and widows were among the most vulnerable members of society, often suffering from neglect and poverty. To care for them is to reflect God’s heart for the helpless and defenceless. True religion is not self-centred, but outward-looking, seeking to serve and uplift those who are suffering.
James also writes that true religion involves keeping oneself unspotted from the world. This refers to living a life of moral purity and separation from the sinful influences of the world. While we are called to engage with the world, we must not allow it to corrupt us. To be unspotted is to maintain holiness in our thoughts, actions, and desires, guarding against the temptations that lead us away from God.
