James 2:15

15 A brother or sister in Christ might need clothes or food.

James 2:15 Meaning and Commentary

James 2:15

If a brother or sister
A Christian man or woman, a fellow member of a church of Christ; for this relation is to be understood in a spiritual sense, though it does not exclude such who are in this relation in a natural sense:

be naked;
or clothed in rags, or in very mean and sordid apparel, such as will neither keep them warm, nor clean and decent; for they must not be supposed to be entirely naked, but to be in a very uncomfortable and indecent garb:

and destitute of daily food;
have not food sufficient for the day; or aught to support nature with, and yield them proper refreshment and nourishment.

James 2:15 In-Context

13 So you must show mercy to others, or God will not show mercy to you when he judges you. But the person who shows mercy can stand without fear at the judgment.

14 My brothers and sisters, if people say they have faith, but do nothing, their faith is worth nothing. Can faith like that save them?

15 A brother or sister in Christ might need clothes or food.

16 If you say to that person, "God be with you! I hope you stay warm and get plenty to eat," but you do not give what that person needs, your words are worth nothing.

17 In the same way, faith that is alone -- that does nothing -- is dead.