A Living Faith Evidenced in Perseverance through Persecution (James 5:7-11) – Part 2
James 5:7 clearly relates back to the previous section (“therefore”). Based on the reality of the situation described in James 5:1–6, James commands patience or perseverance. What are you to do if you find yourself in a helpless situation? Resistance is futile according to James 5:6. James returns to his compassionate, pastoral appeal to his brothers. He exhorts them to be longsuffering with endurance under such a trial. You can’t miss this repetitive theme of patience throughout this section (mentioned in James 5:7, 8,10, 11; see also Psalm 37).
What is our duty in our position under persecution?
- Not revolution to overthrow systems/the unrighteous to remove the persecution
- Not appeasement and accommodating the unrighteous to remove the persecution
- Instead—faithful, longsuffering endurance that waits on God to remove the persecution
Hiebert clarifies: “The compound verb [“be patient”], used quite literally here, means being ‘long-tempered’ as contrasted to short-tempered. It does not call for a passive resignation to one’s fate but an attitude of self-restraint that enables one to refrain from hasty retaliation in the face of provocation.”1
Certainly, the Bible does not call on the righteous to complete passivity; there are times when it is appropriate to oppose the wicked (Ps 94:16). But there are indeed situations in which the wisest thing the righteous can do is duck and cover, to remain silent (Amos 5:13). When you find yourself unable to appeal for redress (Acts 16:35–40), then you must be willing to patiently await the Lord’s return to redress the situation.
In James 5:7–11, James provides (1) encouragement for the afflicted (James 5:7-8), (2) a warning to the afflicted (James 5:9), and (3) examples to inspire the afflicted to persevere (James 5:10-11).
First, be encouraged because the Lord is returning soon. And with His imminent return comes judgment on the wicked and blessing on the once-persecuted righteous poor. We must always live in light of the imminent return of Christ. Waiting for one’s reward can be hard. But it is similar to the reality they were all-too-familiar with laboring in the fields. Every farmer must patiently cultivate his crops and wait patiently for the time of harvest. Now is the time for cultivating. Later is the time for reaping the reward. In the meantime, strengthen or establish a steadfast heart that can endure wickedness rather than giving in to it.
Second, be warned not to sigh and groan in annoyance with one another. It could be all too easy to blame persecution on one another. For example, you can probably imagine the infighting:
If you would just get in line with such and such a strategy or tactic, we could get relief from our persecutors.
You mean I shouldn’t take a righteous stand that causes more persecution rather than appeasing the unrighteous! You’re a compromiser!
In the above scenario, I have my sympathies with the one who believes in a philosophy of antithesis rather than appeasement. However, I’m also saddened by the whole situation of grumbling and antagonism that results amongst believers who lack unity as they both face persecution from the unrighteous. This ought not be. Brethren ought to remain united, recognizing that persecution naturally comes from the unrighteous regardless of your strategies. Stop judging your brethren as if the persecution is their fault for what they do or do not do. The ungodly are going to find a way to persecute regardless and God is the judge of our brethren (see James 4:11–12). Be ready—He is standing at the door ready to judge.
Third, model your life after biblical examples of patient endurance under persecution and suffering. The prophets exemplify how to remain faithful, boldly taking a righteous vocal stand in the name of the Lord. They were bold and steadfast when there was no chance to overturn the ruling of the wicked. We can do so too (Matt 5:12). Job also suffered greatly. And he is renowned for his steadfastness; we admire the display of his perseverance and recognize how blessed/favored by God that he truly was. We also have a glimpse into God’s purposes for suffering—the same purposes for our suffering: proving the genuineness of a living faith (cf. James 1:2–4, 12).
James concludes this subsection with assurance. We can be assured of the Lord’s compassion and mercy even as we endure hardship sovereignly designed by Him (by the hands of the culpable, wicked people He delays judgment on) for our good and His glory (Ps 103:8).
Kevin Collins has served as a junior high youth leader in Michigan, a missionary in Singapore, a Christian School teacher in Utah, and a Bible writer for the BJU Press. He currently works for American Church Group of South Carolina. He also blogs at his other two sites, Gospel in the Marketplace and The Fire and Hammer.
- Hiebert, James, 269. [↩]