James reminds us that there is something to be gained from the trials (difficulties) that we experience in life. "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials," The word "count" is translated as "consider" which is a reminder that how I view my trials is really the result of my spiritual condition at the time. If I am walking in the Spirit under the influence of God's Word then I can look at those times of trials as a "joy."
The joy that James is referring too is a word that denotes"gladness" and that makes sense when we take into consideration James next statement in verse two, "...knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience." The patience referred too here is the ability in Christ to endure or to persevere in those times of trial and testing. The Apostle Paul speaks about this type of endurance in Romans 5:3-5 “And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”
The joy that James is referring too is a word that denotes"gladness" and that makes sense when we take into consideration James next statement in verse two, "...knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience." The patience referred too here is the ability in Christ to endure or to persevere in those times of trial and testing. The Apostle Paul speaks about this type of endurance in Romans 5:3-5 “And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”
RSS Feed