Today's Verse: James 4:17

Sunday, April 17, 1960

Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins.
— James 4:17
Now you can listen to Today's Verse on iTunes, Spotify, Echo devices, and more!

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

James' brother, Jesus, taught this principle when he healed on the Sabbath (Mark 3:1-7) and told the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:29-37). If we have the opportunity and ability to do good to someone in need, then if we don't do it, then we are participating in their destruction. The Lord made it clear that neglecting to do a good deed for another in need, even if we had a religious excuse for not doing it, was doing evil. Let's be a people known for doing good deeds and sharing kindness. Let's not let any excuse, especially a religious excuse, interfere with our opportunities to serve others in the name of Jesus.

My Prayer...

Dear Father, please use me today to bless someone in need so they can know your grace and glorify Jesus for his goodness. In the Savior's sweet and precious name, I pray. Amen.

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

9 Related Resources by Heartlight

Failure to Do What You Know Is Right Is Sin
Devo: Spiritual Warfare
"So any person who knows what is right to do but does not do it, to him it is sin."
Sin of Omission
Illustration of James 4:17
Inspirational illustration of James 4:17 -- Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins.
Ouch! You're Stepping on My Toes
Article by Sarah Stirman
Does God ever use Scripture to step on your toes? We make all these plans and get upset when they don't unfurl like we want, but God often has other plans!
Things That Matter
Article by Rubel Shelly
What is really important as you go to face your week? So much of what we work for really doesn't matter, so let's invest in what does, the people around us.
See All 9 Related Resources about James 4:17

Illustration

Illustration of James 4:17 — Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Sunday, April 17, 1960

Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Evening Thought: Isaiah 45:19
"We may gain much solace by considering what God has not said. What he has said is inexpressibly full of comfort and delight; what he has not said is....."
Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'Lydia and Her Household' (Acts 16:13-15)
"[After arriving in Philippi several days before,] on the Sabbath we [Paul, Silas, Timothy, and Luke] went a little way outside the city to a..."
Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'In All He Has Made' (Ps. 104:31)
"May the glory of the Lord continue forever! The Lord takes pleasure in all he has made!"
Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'God Helps Those Who Turn from Evil' (Am. 5:14-15)
"Do what is good and run from evil so that you may live! Then the Lord God of Heaven’s Armies will be your helper, just as you have claimed. Hate evil...."

About This Devotional

Today's Verse is a free daily devotional that includes a Bible verse, thought and prayer.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

More Today's Verse