Enduring Difficult People
James 5:7-11
Pastor Jerry Koller

In our English bibles, this passage begins with the word “therefore,” a word that can also be translated “so then.” As such, we see that what James says in this passage is based on, or built upon, something that precedes it (vss. 1-6).

Therefore, be patient, brethren…
• The term “brethren” again reminds us to whom James is writing (believers).
• The word ‘patience’ in this verse comes from a compound word that literally means ‘long-anger’ or in more modern terms, “long-tempered.”

Then James tells them how long they are to have patience: ...until the coming of the Lord.

In the 10 times this verb “be patient” occurs in the New Testament, in every case, it expresses a steady, purposeful restraint that rests on faith in God’s character and timing.

Farmer Illustration:
• Mentioning the early and late rains show how long the farmer is to patiently wait.
• The early rains arrive in Palestine around the fall planting season – around October and November.
• The late rains arrive just before harvest time – March and April.
• Even though the farmer has to wait, that doesn’t mean he stands around and does nothing.

The phrase “you too be patient” makes a connection to the farmer in the illustration used in verse 7 and the recipients of this letter.
• While the word “strengthen” can certainly mean to make stronger, it also carries with it the idea of stability.
• Strength and stability are important characteristics to develop when we encounter difficult people because the human or natural tendency is to defend yourself or to push back or fight.

The call to strengthen one’s heart during times of difficulty caused by difficult people is wise counsel. It is a challenge to not allow yourself to take a course of action that is not correct, or is vengeful or retaliatory.

The reason why James says that one should strengthen their heart: for the coming of the Lord is near.
• First century saints believed Jesus may return in their lifetime.

This reason also tells us that when Jesus comes again, He will deal with these issues, and with difficult people (among a host of other things).

The NASB uses the word “complain.” The NIV & ESV use the word “grumble.” This verb means to groan, to murmur or to sigh.
• However, the groaning is not an outward verbal expression. It is within oneself. It denotes a feeling which is internal and unexpressed.

The reason why James says they should not complain: so that you yourselves may not be judged… (see Matt. 7:1-2)

Look for examples: As an example, brethren, of suffering and patience, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. (James 5:10)
• As such, the saints were to follow their examples of patience and endurance, for as a result of their patience and endurance, they were considered blessed. We count those blessed who endured. (James 5:11a)

Then James gives one more example of patience and endurance. You have heard of the endurance of Job and have seen the outcome of the Lord’s dealings, that the Lord is full of compassion and is merciful. (James 5:11b)
• His friends were miserable comforters. He called their accusations lie. He denied his suffering was the result of hidden sin.

The saints also would have seen the outcome of the Lord’s dealings, that the Lord is full of compassion and is merciful. There is a purpose involved.
• One purpose is to allow Spiritual fruit to be developed. (see Galatians 5:22-23)

I’m sure you realize Christians are far from perfect.

When we are the recipients of these wrong things, James admonishes us to have patience, and to continue to have patience until Jesus comes again.

It probably will not be easy. Look to those who went before us who were examples of patience and endurance so that we may follow their examples.

We may never fully know why we may be suffering or facing various trials, but we can know that in the midst of them, God is developing Spiritual fruit in us.

• Sandi Cagle is having surgery on her shoulder on January 6. Please pray that it goes well and the pain will be manageable .
• Mike Rooker is recovering from a hemorrhagic brain bleed and stroke and doing therapy at Mary Freebed Hospital.
• Carson Rooker is recovering from surgery to repair his clavicle that was broken in 3 places following a skiing accident.
• The family of former FBC Pastor Charles (Chuck) Williams who passed away on Sunday, 12/14
• The family of Marvin Hall (brother-in-law of Alice Avery & Judi Beckwith, uncle of Jason Avery & Kim Collins) who passed away on 12/9 in Missouri.
• Ginny Dorsey (Rhonda Dobberstein's mom) is recovering from sepsis and pneumonia; is very weak and needs to regain strength.
• Bruce Ferguson is being tested for prostate and bladder problems. Please pray that the results are negative and that the issues are not happening because of cancer.
• Jeff and Allie Wilson and their family upon the loss of Jeff's father, Gary Wilson, on 11/16 and Allie's uncle, Ray Harris, on 11/18.
• Sandi Cagle is having issues with her left shoulder and upper arm; please pray for healing as well as that the issues don’t spread to her right arm.
• Sandi Cagle’s mother is recovering from a fall and surgery for a broken wrist. She is healing well and expected to have her cast removed next week.
• Judy Niekirk (Mike's mom) is recovering from surgery for renal cell carcinoma. She is recovering well, but the cancer has spread. She is waiting for an oncology appointment to be scheduled.
• Check out our monthly prayer card on-line at southhavenfbc.com under “Weekly Bulletins” for a list of those with on-going needs.

First Baptist Church
1635 76th Street
South Haven, MI 49090
269-637-1291
southhavenfbc@gmail.com