Prayer Without Obedience

I knew he'd had a strained relationship with his parents for many years.

When I asked what he'd done to reconcile, he said he hadn't done anything but he was “praying for revelation from God.”

I reminded him of James 2:15-16 which says faith is useless when not accompanied by appropriate actions.

While he was “praying for revelation from God,” he was ignoring these “revelations” in Scripture:

1. God commands us to actively seek reconciliation!

“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.” Matthew 5:23-24(1)

Thoughtful, gracious discussion and sincere listening can solve many problems (Proverbs 15:1; James 1:19).

2. God commands us to make deliberate efforts in relationships!

“Live in harmony with one another... Do not repay anyone evil for evil... If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”  Romans 12:16-18(2)

Acts of kindness can soften the hardest heart (1 Peter 3:9).

3. In addition, when we're dealing with parents, God has high expectations.

He expects “honor” and attaches a promise (Ephesians 6:2-3).(3)

Faith without works and prayer without obedience are useless (James 2:26).(4)

Footnotes:

(1)  See You Can't Serve God if You Refuse. 

(2)  See Reconciliation: Actions Speak Louder than Words. 

(3) See The Serious Consequences of Dishonoring Parents.

(4) Pertinent Scriptures:

James 2:15-16: “Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?”    

Proverbs 3:27: "Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act." 

Romans 13:7: "Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor." 

Galatians 6:10: "Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers."

See The Prayer Excuse.

Note: This devotion is not addressing children who have been physically or sexually abused by parents. They must seek godly Christian counsel in handling their adult relationship with their parents.

Bible Love Notes