Daily Thought

How easily do you lose patience with people and circumstances? James’ readers could easily have done so as they faced immense pressure from their unscrupulous employers. These rich men held back their rightful wages, v. 4, and also took advantage of the fact that they did not resist them, v. 6. James made it clear that such men will reap what they sow, v. 1. Indeed, their ill-gotten wealth would be short-lived, vv. 2, 3.

James’ message to his beleaguered readers was clear, ‘Be patient (long-suffering with people) therefore, brethren’, v. 7. We might well ask whether it is possible for believers, including ourselves, to exercise patience in the midst of such hostile circumstances. James gives us the secrets that will enable us so to do. Firstly, we can be confident that we have a God, the Lord of Sabaoth (the New Testament equivalent of the Old Testament ‘Lord of hosts’), who hears our cries, v. 4. He is stronger than our persecutors. Secondly, we can look beyond the dark days to the coming of the Lord that will bring to an end any injustices we might suffer now at the hands of ungodly men, vv. 7, 8. Thirdly, we must live in the light of the judgement seat of Christ, where we will have to give an account of how patient we have been with each other, v. 9. Fourthly, we can gain encouragement from the patience of others in the midst of adverse circumstances, e. g., the farmers, v. 7, the prophets, v. 10, and Job, v. 11. Indeed, we will discover, like Job, ‘that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy’, v. 11. He always has positive ends in view for us, even if we cannot see them at the time.

Our lack of patience under pressure can lead us to succumb to the temptation of reinforcing our statements with oaths, v. 12. We should reject such speaking; our word should be sufficient.

One of the greatest tests of our patience can be when we face bodily suffering. This may be in the form of general physical suffering, v. 13, or sickness as a result of spiritual failure, vv. 14, 15. In both cases recovery is to be found in patient prayer and confession, of which Elijah is a supreme example, vv. 17, 18. Elders also need to exercise patience during their ministry of restoration for those who have erred, vv. 14, 19, 20.