What does James mean when he says works perfect our faith (James 2:21-22)? Can faith be perfected? Can it be improved? What is the connection between works and improving our faith?
Let's look at it from a different angle. I may study about having a baby, but there are things I learn about parenting that can only be learned through experience. I may read about being a teacher in a grade school and have the degrees necessary to obtain the job, but controlling and teaching a room full of six year olds is an entirely different kind of teacher.
We only learn what faith is when we live through something that forces us to completely rely on God and not on our own understanding. Obedience in those kinds of circumstances strengthens our hope and faith in God, because we experience him as faithful (Romans 5:1-3; James 1:1-3; Hebrews 5:7-9).
