BACKGROUND
It is believed that James, brother of Jesus wrote this book in A.D. 49. He wrote this letter as he was anxious about the persecutions faced by the church during the early stages.
GREETING
Verse 1
James, a bondservant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad: Greetings.
“Servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ.” Every letter starts with these greetings! Being a servant of God is the greatest achievement in everything. Servants were given the least respect and they were considered as the lowest of all. But, a servant of God gets the greatest acceptance and respect.
James’ greet the 12 tribes in the Dispersion (scattered abroad). Even though they were scattered, God inspired James to write an epistle to them. God never forsakes His people. He wants to talk to them and to hear from them. They were scattered, but they were one in Christ. James wrote this epistle to the Jewish Christians who were living outside Palestine or with the gentiles during A. D. 1.
Even if we are scattered across the globe, GOD still has a word to talk to us. He will strengthen us through His counsel.
TESTING OF YOUR FAITH
Verse. 2-4
My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials,
knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.
But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.
NIV used the word ‘pure joy’. Joy- a feeling of great pleasure and happiness.
How can someone find joy when met with trials of various kinds? Trials can never make a man happy, but, the lessons or the outcome of the same will surely make a Godly man happy. The testing of faith produces steadfastness (perseverance/endurance).
While I was having good grades in my engineering, I was happy. But, when I failed in a subject in the final semester, it was rather beyond what I can bear! But, God was teaching me endurance and making me strong to face many more life situations. And, as a result of the same, I can counsel a person who is depressed due to the failures of his/her life.
When we are through the situation, we have two options. Firstly, we can be rebellious and question God for giving the trials and denying even the deity of God. Secondly, we can learn lessons and utilize the same to sharpen our mindset, life goals and to inspire others!
When the endurance has its full effect or full growth within us (grows only with a positive approach), the actual thing happening in us is, and we are growing to the maturity with Christ. A child can never understand like a mature person! Some things are worth understanding when we are mature.
God purifies us when He let us through the trials. As Peter says, “These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.” 1 Peter 1:7.
From this verse, we can tell why trials come in our life. It is to:
- Checks the quality of our faith;
- Brings patience/steadfastness;
- The patience brings spiritual maturity;
- Making us perfect and complete.
So, never to run away from the trials or tests!
