Book of James
Chapter 1
But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. (1:22)
Rejoicing in Trials
James 1 enlightens us about the transformative power of faith, trials, wisdom, and true religion. It inspires us to embrace trials as a means of building character, seek wisdom from God, understand our temptations, and live out our faith through compassionate actions and moral living. As we navigate through our own trials and challenges, let’s remember to continually seek wisdom and understanding from the source of every good and perfect gift, our immutable God.
Perseverance through Trials (Verses 1-4)
James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting.2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
James, the servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, starts by addressing the twelve tribes scattered abroad. He encourages them to consider it pure joy whenever they face trials of various kinds, as this testing of their faith develops perseverance. He asserts that perseverance must finish its work so that they may be mature, complete, and lacking nothing.
Asking for Wisdom (Verses 5-8)
5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.
James guides those who lack wisdom to ask God, who gives generously to all. He instructs them to ask in faith, without doubt, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. Such a person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.
Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com
Leave a Reply