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Previous Lesson -- Next Lesson JAMES - Be Doers of the Word, and not Hearers Only Chapter V Patient Waiting (James 5:7-12)JAMES 5:7-12 This is a reference to the Parousia, the return of the Lord in his good time. So Christians have waited for centuries in the context of oppression, suffering and verbal abuse. So patience is needed along with endurance. James uses the analogy of farming. No amount of anxiety or impatience will hasten the day of the Lord, or quicken the harvest. Also cited is Job’s example to press the point on the need for perseverance. Impatience leads one to grumble, … grumbling is often directed to others and leads to illwill. Besides Job, Joseph, Moses and Jesus adorn the virtue of patience, suggesting another beatitude, “Blessed are those who endure”. ‘Swear not’ recalls Matthew 5:33-37 and covers thoughtless oaths taken to push in one’s opinions. There is also the reckless use of the Holy Name for emphasis so common in Arabic conversation. This command, however, does not apply to oaths required in civil court. Though there are some Christians who may refuse to take such oaths. |