JAMES 1:3
Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.
(KJV)
Knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.
(NASB)
Years ago I had a friend who would not pray for patience because he felt God might bring trials into his life to produce that patience. This was all based on the King James rendering of James 1:3. In reality my friend just simply did not want to go through difficult times in life. In 1st Corinthians 13:4 Paul states that love is patient or long suffering (KJV). The point is we do not know what degree of patience, love, or faith we have unless it is first tested. The degree of those three things is found in the degree of endurance we show under trying circumstances.
Our Lord Jesus showed this best on the cross. Hebrews 12:2 states that He “…endured the cross, despising the shame,…” The greatest love was shown in great patience toward the whole human race which was crucifying Him because of their sins. Through the testing of the cross we see love demonstrated through patience because of, “…the joy set before Him…” That joy of knowing that if we place our faith and confidence in what He did on the cross for us and based on His bodily resurrection, we would spend eternity in Heaven with Him spurred Him forward. It was love and patience placed to the ultimate test because Jesus could have easily called a legion of angels to His rescue (Matthew 26:53). The key is that He did not, but suffered in our place instead.
My question is have you ever looked at what was done on the cross seeing God’s great love and mercy for you? Have you ever thought about what all Jesus went through for you (us)? Have you ever trusted Him as Savior based on that great love?
If you are a Christian please put this at the forethought of your mind today. If we really love our spouses, children (grandchildren), co-workers, neighbors, church members, ect. then we will show the same love through patience that Jesus showed to us on the cross. So go and grow in God’s good grace and in patience.
I am open for speaking engagements. If you wish to invite me for a speaking engagement please contact me atStevenSwaim@BeDevotedMinistries.com.
His Servant Together With You,
Steven Swaim
President and Founder, Be Devoted Ministries
All Bible verses quoted are from the New American Standard Version unless otherwise noted.
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