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Martin Luther, the refomer, did not like the book of James. He called it an "epistle of straw!" There is much in James that focuses on the good works of believers in Jesus which grated against Luther's emphasis on salvation through grace alone by faith alone, apart from works.

However, the two can be reconciled. If grace-given-faith-accepted-salvation is true and genuine, then it will produce good work in the life of the redeemed disciple. On the contrary, if someone says they are a Christian, yet their life is an open book, devoid of any good attributes that point to the gospel, then that faith may be non-genuine or dead. Every tree produces fruit - if a tree is unregenerated, then rotten fruit will be a reality check on rotten roots.

David Gibson, writing for Crossway, gives us ten things to whet our appetites for spending time in James. You can access his full article (7 minute read) by clicking --> here <--  Here is a sample of some of the points he makes:

1. James has one controlling theme that holds everything together. (the undivided life of believers)

3. James is much loved by ordinary believers but tends to be much avoided by preachers. (preachers find it to be too disjointed)

4. James is writing to churches in danger of dying. The audience is in urgent need of these words!

6. The word “perfect” in James does not mean sinless—it means whole. 

"And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." (James 1:4 ESV)

9. James presents a God who is scandalously eager to welcome back his wandering people.

"You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. ... Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded." (James 4:4, 8)