James 5:7-12
Patience in Suffering
Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord's coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord's coming is near. Don't grumble against each other, brothers, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!
Brothers, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job's perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.
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.
Honestly, I think I only worry about the Lord's coming when I read verses like these. Otherwise, I don't think about it much. I do what the Bible tells me, and I try to love and respect everyone equally. I know he is coming, though, and I know I will go to join him. I don't obey God's commandments only to get to Heaven, but because it's the right thing to do.
The verses about grumbling against each other sometimes hit home, too. I am definitely getting better about that, but there are days I still slip up. I'm working on taking more responsibility for my words and actions, and having a more positive attitude towards others.
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