Taking a break from our study about love, I want to clarify a passage of scripture that has been misunderstood a lot over the years. The Holy Spirit just showed this to me.
James 1:2-4 NIV
[2] Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, [3] because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. [4] Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
The first part of this passage has been singled out and misunderstood.
[2] Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds,
This singled out is how it has been taught. That we're supposed to be happy about all the bad things that happen in our lives. It is NOT saying that at all.
The whole passage is saying that we should be happy about the end result. When we go through a lot of trials and trust in God to bring us through them, and He does, this strengthens our faith, our trust in God. This builds our dependence upon God. So when trials come, we should see it as an opportunity to build our faith, our trust in God even more. This makes us stronger Christians.
Don't be happy about the specific trial you have to go through. Be happy about the end result. God will bring you through it as you trust in Him.
Love you all dear readers,
Jeffrey Post
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