James concludes with a
flurry of exhortations. First thing I did was to list his exhortations, leaving
out his examples or reasons. Check this out!
Verses 2-3: Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your
clothes. Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against
you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded wealth in the last
days.
Verse 8, 10: You too, be patient [in the face of suffering (10)]
and stand firm, because the Lord's coming is near.
Verse 12: Above all, my brothers, do not swear--not by heaven
or by earth or by anything else. Let your "Yes" be yes, and your "No," no, or
you will be condemned.
Verse 13-16, Pray in
trouble, praise in joy: Is any one of you in
trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise.
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you
may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.
Verse 19-20 My brothers, if one of you should wander from the
truth and someone should bring him back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner
from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of
sins.
Live selflessly. Wait
patiently. Speak honestly. Pray regularly. Restore
lovingly.
Thank you, James, for your
practical word.
Lord, I
cannot do any of these without Your help. Help me, I pray.
Amen.
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