Two types of faith

What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? ... fath by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. James 2:14, 17

I've been reading in the Books of James lately... One verse in particular jumped out at me today. James is not comparing faith and works, but (as Douglas Moo puts it): "He is, rather, contrasting a faith that, because it is inherently defective, produces no works and a faith that, because it is genuine, does result in action."

In looking at my own life, I don't often find myself interacting with those who are lacking in basic necessities. The whole "Go in peace, be warmed and be filled..." isn't really a position I find myself in. But I do on a regular basis interact with other believers. When I do, does my faith express itself through a true concern for their needs? Often a cursory "I'll be praying for you..." is the the response I'll give. Sure, I may fire off a prayer or even spend time in my morning devotions praying for that person, but a faith that acts will look to go BEYOND this. How can I help the physical needs of that brother or sister for whom Christ died? It may be giving an ear to someone that I really don't want to, or giving my time to help move a piece of furniture. To leave the application of this passage in the extreme situation of someone without food is to shortchange the message James is trying to get across. My faith MUST result in acts of love to my brothers and sisters OR ELSE IT IS DEFECTIVE FAITH.