March 9

Suffering’s Face

Brothers, 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 consider 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.

Above all, my brothers, do not swear, not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. Let your “Yes” be yes, and you “No,” no, or you will be condemned. James 5:10-12

Some people get tired of hearing of suffering. However, if you look at those who followed Jesus in the Bible, you will see that most, if not all, suffered persecution at one time or another. As much as we do not wish to have to admit it, suffering comes when you follow Jesus. Why? Satan wants to keep you from doing as the Lord would have you to do. He goes around like a roaring lion, looking for those whom he can devour. When you suffer, and you shall to some degree or another, know that the Lord is with you. He has suffered with you, he suffered before you. He endured all your suffering upon the tree of Calvary. He knows everything you are going through. When you suffer, consider that you are identifying with Jesus and what better compliment is there for a believer than to identify with our Lord?

When we suffer, or when we don’t we must take care with our words. James has been full of warnings to guard the tongue and in this passage we see yet another. We must not swear. God says that we should be people of our words in that when we say we will do something we do it. He says that when we say we are not going to do something, then we are not to do it. To swear scripture says you will be condemned.

I will take this thought one step further. Have you ever said, when you saw someone else do something that you knew was not right, that you would never do that? Or, have you said that if you were in so and so’s shoes, you would do something different than what they are doing? I must take this chance to warn you, take care, lest you fall and do exactly what you have said you will not do. I have seen it over and over again. I have lived it more times than I would care to remember. Know that the Lord hears our words and when a brother or sister is suffering, we should build them up, not stand in judgment. We are to gently restore them, not tear them down. Let us guard our words and our actions in Jesus.

Father, forgive me for the times that I have pointed the finger at one who was suffering and stood in judgment of them. Father, forgive me for the times I have had to eat my words with what I would or would not do. Give me patience in suffering, making me to stand in Jesus and in the knowledge of truth, according to your word. Lord, in Jesus name guard my tongue that I not swear by anything in heaven or on the earth. Lord, in Jesus name teach me to build up rather than to tear down. In Jesus name, let my mouth speak only that which pleases you, amen.

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