Are You Patient?

James 5:7-11

James begins by writing about the time between planting and harvesting the crops as an illustration of patience. This reminded me of Frog and Toad. Didn't one of them watch the seeds, wanting it to grow, and pull it out? (or was that another storybook?)

Then he goes on to say that we are not to grumble, not to judge others, and not to speak evil of anyone. There is a Judge standing at the door, and He doesn't need our help.

In verse 12, James is repeating what Jesus taught in Mt. 5:33-37. People were too quick to validate their words with contrived oaths. James says to speak simply. Just do what you say you will do . Stick by it. And don't swear by it.

In the middle of this passage, James reminds us that God is compassionate and merciful. He has a reason for making us wait, not only for His coming, but on other things in our lives too. So we must be patient!

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Only one entry this week as Dad was stuck in Tennessee during the storm.

PS- Would you agree that the habit of judging others breeds cynicism? And I think that cynicism is a trap. We get caught in a vicious cycle of it and can't get out.