What Makes God Smile? 4

We make God smile more by what we do through our actions than to believe. James 2:24 says, “You can now see that we please God by what we do and not only by what we believe.” In other words, “action speaks louder than voice.” Our doing of things is a direct reflection of our real attitude or heart. It is the expression of our true nature and character, which are manifested in our actions.

The legend of Rahab is such an example of how God smiles upon what is done through action. Rahab’s story provides an answer as to how we should act when we encounter situations where we expect God to smile or forgive us for our sins. “Rahab, the prostitute, justified by her actions when she welcomed the messengers and sent them off on another route?” (James 2:25). God’s response was to forgive us for our sins when we turn away from evil ways.

Isaiah 1:17 says, “Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause.”

Jericho’s harlot learned to do good; she became a paragon of virtue overnight by her faith and believed in God of Israel and her deed towards children of God. Her model of hospitality, generosity, love, faithfulness, mercy, faith, patience, and repentance in her heart and action toward Joshua’s spies are all examples of how God forgives her and count her worthy among virtuous women till this day. She did not perish with those who were disobedient or wicked, but instead, she was transformed into righteousness.

Likewise, God wants to transform you from a model of inferiority, shamefulness, and self-pity to a model of excellence, a paragon of virtue, and to perfect image of God. He wants to transform you from the idea of a weak and unworthy to one that is strong and courageous. But your good deeds and repentance have to be in line with His will. Hebrews 13:16 says, “Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.”

Prayer:
1. Dear Lord, I pray that you give me the strength to overcome my weakness and become more like Christ.
2. Holy Spirit comes and helps me to live a life that pleases God.
3. Psalm 18:32-42- Oh, mighty God girded me with strength, and make my way perfect in Jesus name. Amen.