Advice and encouragement for those facing suffering forms a consistent theme from first century Christian writers. James offers a practice and a warning.
The practice is patience. Like a farmer, practice patience and stand firm.
The warning—when things get tough, don’t grumble against one another.
Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. 8 You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near.
Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!
Brothers and sisters, 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 count as 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.
A takeaway—just as the Lord is full of compassion and mercy, so also should we be.
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