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Practical Living - James 5
Practical Living - James 5
As James comes to the end of his letter, he gives some very practical teaching on how disciples of Jesus should live. While certain aspects are difficult to grasp, the overall instruction is plain.
Be patient (7, 8). Earlier James taught: be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to wrath. Give others a chance to grow and mature. Don’t give up on them (or yourself).
Do not complain against one another (9). Instruct, encourage, reprove when needed, but don’t complain!
Observe and learn from the godly men who have gone before us (10-11). Learn the lives of Isaiah, Amos, Jeremiah, and the others.. See how they were faithful during extremely difficult times. Look at Paul and the apostles who suffered as God’s ambassadors. Look to those among us that have proven themselves faithful. Look to Jesus who gave us the supreme example to follow.
Be transparently honest (12). Let your yes mean yes and your no mean no.
Pray (13-18). Pray for yourself and pray for others. Pray for wisdom (1:5). Pray with complete trust in God (1:6). Pray for humility and a heart that can be touched by the discomfort of others (1:26-27).. Pray without ceasing.
Restore those who stray from the truth (19-20). Brethren can, have, and will wander from the narrow path. They will be deceived at times. They will be discouraged and tempted to quit. They will fall into sin. Don’t ignore them. Don’t write them off. Let those of us that think of ourselves as spiritual restore them in meekness and gentleness (study Gal. 6:1).
Are these traits active in your life?
Hugh DeLong
