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Good deeds or Prayer?

What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them?
Suppose a brother or a 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?
In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. (James 2:14 to 17)

We know that we are saved by grace alone but sometimes our prayers are not enough. Our works are how God shows His love through us as Christians. I'm drawn to the parable of the Good Samaritan.

I cannot fathom how mature, educated and usually servant hearted Christians can excuse physically turning away from a suffering church member. I am truly trying to understand how this action can be seen as loving, biblical or even humane. Removing previous support and care in a time of great trial and need. It is not God I am questioning. It is that this decision is accepted by the eldership. Those who should model compassion. Those responsible for the pastoral care of those in the the church, not just those who are considered friends or who are colleagues.

This is not a critical post. It is a question. It is desperately trying to understand how to deal with the painful separation from the fellowship.

It is hard when your christian friends are in the fellowship and your mental health advisors are not christian. It is difficult to find a balance of who has an opinion based on truth when I am led to believe mine often aren't.

Mental illness leaves you vulnerable and health professionals can see that. Mine have certainly felt I have been silenced and let down. However I am aware they don't always grasp the spiritual aspects of health, or grasp the importance of the church community to me and my family.

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