James' letter, addressed to everyone in the world, contains instructions for Christian attitudes and conduct and practical wisdom. Trials may seem bad, but they are really necessary so we can exercise our faith and endure them. When you need help, ask God and He'll give generously, but you gotta believe! God thinks highly of His people who are poor. God humbles rich believers so they won't be scorched. Don't give up when you are being tested because God will bless you richly for it. Don't give up on God and He won't give up on you. Good gifts come from the Father. Be quick to listen and slow to speak or get angry. Obey the messages you get from God. If you can't control your tongue, your religion is worthless.
Don't treat people who look rich better than those who look poor. Remember that God gives the poor special gifts. You'll do well if you obey the most important commandment - love one another as you love yourself. Faith should motivate us to do good deeds. When we see someone who needs food or clothes, we should help them get them, not just hope it will happen. We please God by what we do and by what we believe. Faith is an action word.
If you can control your tongue, then you are mature and can control your whole body. The tongue is an evil power that pollutes the rest of the body. If you are wise and sensible show it by living right and being humble whatever you do. Jealousy and selfishness is earthly and comes from the devil himself. The wisdom of God leads us to be pure, friendly, gentle, sensible, kind, helpful, genuine, and sincere. Peacemakers harvest justice.
Why do you fight and argue with each other? Could it be that you are jealous and full of selfish desires? You want something and will do anything to get it. You should pray for it. If you are praying just for selfish reasons your prayers won't be answered. If you are unfaithful to God, then you love the world and are an enemy of God. Surrender to God! Come near to God and He will come near to you. Clean up your lives, purify your hearts, and be deeply sorry for your sinful life. Be humble in the presence of the Lord and He will honor you.
Tomorrow read James 4:11-5:20 & 1Peter 1-3:12
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