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Let Patience Have Its Perfect Work

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?

 

 


Author: Sarah Lin
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