Let Patience Have Its Perfect Work
But let patience have its perfect work, that you
may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. (Jas 1:4)
People
are often impatient and want to see results immediately, but the road to
success does not come easily. Students, athletes, and many professionals strive
to reach their goals by enduring rigid training and hard work. Without
patience, it is almost impossible to attain success. James 5:7-8 reads: “See
how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for
it until it receives the early and latter rain. You also be patient.”
The book
of James especially tells us of patience in suffering. Suffering can truly help
us build up patience and endurance. When we dwell on our problems and worries,
we become stressed and anxious. But if we concentrate on God and His goodness,
we will find peace.
Many
things that we do at church require much patience and kindness. People may fall
below our expectations; however, we must be patient when this happens. It is
easy to be kind to others when everything is going well. But can we still be
kind when others are treating us unfairly? When others respond with callousness
or even slander to our good intentions, we should remember Jesus' patience (1
Tim 1:16).
Do not grumble against one another, brethren,
lest you be condemned. Behold, the Judge is standing at the door! My brethren,
take the prophets, who spoke in the name of the Lord, as an example of
suffering and patience. (Jas 5:9-10)
The
prophets suffered and were loyal to the Lord, and now their experiences
encourage us. We cannot really know the depth of our character until we see how
we react to sufferings. God wants to make us mature and complete, not to keep
us from all pain. May God give us patience and strength to endure, and let
patience have its perfect work.
Questions for Reflection
1. What
helps you to be patient when you have difficulties?
2. Concerning
a trial that you have experienced, what positive and negative impacts did it have
on your faith?
