When addressing the discussion of faith versus works many people cite Paul, particularly in Galatians chapters two and three. However, Paul does not address work, but rather works of the law. “Works of the law” is understood to be the regulations of the Jewish Torah, whereas “works” is generally good deeds. Circumcision, sacrifices and dietary restrictions are just a few of the things that fall under the category “works of the law.” Works as many people argue it is acts of charity: care for widows and the poor, love of one’s neighbor. Works as charity is the definition given by James, not Paul. For Paul faith and works can be better explained as trusting in God versus trusting in the law.
If you were silent, do you think your friends would notice? I'm usually loud, jovial. I like to be seen as happy, whether I am or not. One day at lunch, I sat down. Someone asked me a question, I nodded my head. Tim commented on my mace earrings. I grinned and shook my head from side to side so they would bounce off my cheeks. Andrew asked why I wasn't saying anything. "It's unusual to have a silent Mary." I laughed and said that I hadn't meant to be silent. We moved to talk about the random things that friends will often talk about. Today, I sat with my usual group of "friends;" the friends with whom I fit so well. And today, I was quiet. There is a difference between quiet and silent. Especially when the quiet is you sitting, unsmiling, going through the motions and the silent includes you grinning and playing with your earrings. However, no one noticed. Isn't it odd? I think if one of my friends was bummed, I'd notice. If the were quiet, d...
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-d
Oh, and D? It kills me how you misspell whether everytime. I wasn't going to say anything, but I must.
-d