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While Paul also speaks of the importance of doing works, I see Rom. 2:13 as an admonition to the Jews. He who keeps the law perfectly will be justified. I think Paul is trying to show them that no one can do that. This fits in with Paul's central message that faith is the absolute key to salvation

But we don't believe perfectly either! How much of faith is required? How perfect a faith is needed? Why would 'perfect keeping of the law' be a requirement for salvation and not 'perfect faith?' How can one measure his faith? +James is saying by works.

Obviously, it's the intent that counts and not perfection. The poor old woman who gives her last two copper coins to the synagogue is giving everything she has to God. A rich Pharisee who tithes 10% of his wealth is not, although his sum may be greater. Who is justified in the eyes of God? We all believe it's the woman for giving everytyhing to God. I am sure both the woman and the Pharisee have faith, but that's not all that is required.

But we don't believe perfectly either! How much of faith is required? How perfect a faith is needed? Why would 'perfect keeping of the law' be a requirement for salvation and not 'perfect faith?' How can one measure his faith? +James is saying by works.

God said that those who live under the law must do it perfectly to be saved. He said no such thing about those who live by faith. The faith believers live by is what was given to them by God. God chooses to increase it through sanctification, but it is not due to the decision of the believer. I actually do not concern myself with trying to measure my faith as against anyone else's. I just try to follow God's leading. My faith will be what God wants it to be.

Obviously, it's the intent that counts and not perfection. The poor old woman who gives her last two copper coins to the synagogue is giving everything she has to God. A rich Pharisee who tithes 10% of his wealth is not, although his sum may be greater. Who is justified in the eyes of God? We all believe it's the woman for giving everything to God. I am sure both the woman and the Pharisee have faith, but that's not all that is required.

I don't think that God wants us to be in the mindset of trying to "one-up" each other by seeing who gives more. The old woman gave "more", but the Pharisee also did right by giving what God asked of him. Had God decided to move his heart, he would have given more. I do not look down at the Pharisee at all in this example. While I would not use the word "justified" in this example for either one, from the information we have I would not say that the woman deserves more personal credit. God decided to bless her with the higher faith of complete dependence.