The Lord Is Full Of Compassion And Mercy

Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!

Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.

James 5:7-11

James wrote to a group of believers who were struggling with being patient for Jesus’ return. They were living under exploitation and distressing times, and James encouraged them to set the timer of their temper for the long run. Challenging these believers to persevere under suffering, he tried to stimulate them to stand firm and to live sacrificially until the Lord returned to right every wrong.

James called them to be like the farmer who waits patiently for the rain and the harvest, and like the prophets and the patriarch Job who demonstrated perseverance in difficulties. The finish line was just ahead and James encouraged the believers not to give up.

When we are being tried in a crucible of distress, God desires to help us continue living by faith and trusting in His compassion and mercy.

The way to great patience is through great trials.

Our Daily Bread – January 10, 2014