James: Wisdom for Practical LifeSample

Patience During Suffering

We live in a culture which values lightning speed wi-fi, one-click transactions, instant deliveries, overnight success, T20 formats and 2-minute Maggi. And one virtue that seems to be fast disappearing is patience. And this lack of patience also translates in resentment toward suffering. We don’t like to suffer. We will avoid suffering at all costs. We long to live in a world without suffering. 

But as a follower of Christ, we are called to patience and endurance. This call is for us when we see suffering around us, when we encounter personal tragedies and trials, when injustice prevails for those who are honest and when those who remain true to Christ are persecuted. Sometimes God seems silent in the face of oppression and evil. 

How can we endure in the face of suffering and injustice? James exhorts us to keep our eyes on the Lord’s coming as the prophets did. The Lord’s coming is near (v.8) and imminent. 

We are called to stand for justice, mercy and compassion even though in this world we may never get the justice we need. But we work for justice and compassion knowing that the Judge is standing at the door, and when He returns He will make all things right and just. True justice and a world without suffering and evil is realized in God’s kingdom when He rules and reigns over all things. 

This view of Christ’s return is key to not losing hope in the face of suffering. Without this hope, we may be tempted to grumble against each other and not stand firm. But as we remain firm and steadfast, the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ will one day vindicate our patient endurance, when we see Him face to face.