In his epistle, James emphasizes that true religion involves not just hearing and preaching the word of God but also practical acts of kindness and purity. Specifically, he highlights the importance of visiting orphans and widows in their distress, and keeping oneself unstained from the world. James emphasizes that faith without works is dead, and that true religion involves not just believing in God, but also living out one's faith through acts of compassion and righteousness.