APR 9

James 5:7-10
Memorise James 5:10
“Be patient therefore, brethren…”

In the Bible, the word “patience” can refer to either the ability to bear with difficult circumstances, or the ability to bear with difficult people. When translated as “longsuffering”, the Bible is referring to the second meaning. Thus, this fruit of the Spirit involves the patience that we have towards other people.

James 5:9 exhorts believers, “grudge not one against another”. The word “grudge” carries the idea of groaning or grumbling, whether out of impatience or distress. In this particular context, James specifically warns them not to do this against other believers. Thus, if a fellow believer wrongs us, or is particularly hard to deal with, we must still show patience and forbearance. The example that James points us to is that of the prophets “who have spoken in the name of the Lord”. The Old Testament is filled with examples of prophets of great patience, who never ceased rebuking sin in Israel even though they were often met with hostility.

The principle of longsuffering is very clearly illustrated in the example that James gave about the prophets. When God gives us a task that requires us to deal with people who are difficult, do we exhibit the same level of patience that the prophets did? They continued to serve God in their respective ministries and often had to put up with harsh criticism, general disinterest, and sometimes even physical violence. No matter how unreceptive and unrepentant the people were, the prophets persevered. Likewise, we need to exhibit that same level of tolerance towards all men – not just believers. In school, we will inevitably meet with people who we do not get along with very easily. In such situations, we must remember that God has placed us there as witnesses. Hence, we must have longsuffering to the people around us, whether they are believers or unbelievers.

It is easy to get along with people who are generally agreeable. What sets us apart as Christians is the work of the Holy Spirit within us that allows us to do what unbelievers cannot—bear with even the most difficult people, for the sake of Christ.

Thought: Am I very impatient towards the people around me?
Prayer: Lord, help me to be longsuffering towards others