“The Work of Patience”

Dear CrossPointe,

Patience takes work. Lots of it. Our text this Sunday, James 5:7–12, is an exhortation to patience in the face of oppression and injustice. It comes on the heels of James’ rebuke of the unbelieving rich who oppress people with their indulgence and self-absorption in the preceding verses. Now, he turns his attention to believers who have suffered as a result of their rich oppressors and encourages them to be patient and establish their hearts because the coming of the Lord is at hand. 

Our goal will be to think through what this text teaches us about patience. For one, it is clear that patience is not a passive activity. It takes action and grit and resolve on our part. It’s both the Lord’s work in us and our working out our own salvation. Also, as has been a consistent theme throughout James, we’ll see that our tongues can either help or hinder our pursuit of patience. 

Looking forward to seeing you Sunday!

Brad