James: More GraceSample

How will we stay close to God?

James has called on these believers to come near to God again in repentance (4:8). Now he wants them to stay near to God.

In the final part of his letter James has been telling these believers much about the right way to use their tongues. Humble hearts must lead to humble words. Just as the wrong use of their tongues demonstrated what was wrong with this congregation, now the right use of their tongues must show that they are back on track.

So these believers must not slander or grumble against each other, neither should they boast or swear. Instead they should speak humbly and honestly and lovingly. Their words must build relationships, not tear them down.

Now in the last few verses of all (5:13– 20), James focuses on how his readers should speak to God and on how they can help one another stay close to him. One part of what James says in these last verses is easily misunderstood, so we will take time to look at this whole section over four days, to help us see those verses in their context.

• James begins in verse 13 though with two very straightforward commands. How should these believers respond in their troubles and joys (v. 13)?

It is easy to forget God in good times. It is easy to give up on God in hard times. James wants his Christian readers to stay close to God whatever happens. Don’t run from God when you face trouble; cry to him for help. He is ‘full of compassion and mercy’ (5:11). Don’t drift from God in happy times when all seems well. ‘Every good and perfect gift is from above’ (1:17), so thank and praise God for all he has given you.

Don’t just come near to God; stay near to him.

Next James asks, ‘Is anyone among you ill?’(v. 14). As we read on, it looks at first glance as if James is outlining a course of action that will guarantee physical healing now for this ill person. But when we look at these verses carefully in the context of the whole letter, we find a number of points that should steer us away from such a conclusion, especially as we find no other similar promise in the rest of scripture. We will look at this in more detail tomorrow.

We can rejoice though that when the Lord comes, the suffering of all believers will be over. On that day, no Christian will be ill or in trouble and all of us will be joyfully singing songs of praise.

Pray

If you are in trouble today, pray for help; if you are happy, praise God. Ask God to help you stay near to him, whatever your circumstances.