My Corner Online

 

James 5:10-12

5:10-11 The prophets in the Old Testament are an example of suffering and patience and steadfastness.  For a lesson on patience,  read the whole Book of Job! The Lord hurts when we hurt. Say the words out loud from verse 11, over and over, when you are hurt, "Oh, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful!" God may not take away the hurt and suffering, but he does understand how I feel and is merciful (deserving of punishment not administered upon me).  When hurting, I am blessed to receive strength and patience from the Lord, just like the prophets. I am to proclaim Christ regardless of what I go through.  Yes, that is the hardest part, to declare Christ even in affliction. Our sinful self does not go there first.

 

5:12 BE STRAIGHTFORWARD IN YOUR PROMISES

5:12 Above all, do not swear! Period. To swear by things on this earth or things in heaven.  Anywhere.  Period.  I remember when I first learned this as a teenager and how hard it sunk in. Ever since I have eliminated and struck the word "swear" from my vocabulary. I was taught that to swear was to call down God as a witness, so if I am to swear, I had better really mean it! Oh goodness, what if I really mean it and then what I swear turns out inaccurate? Ack! I'm not gambling with that!

Yet again James writes as if he is inspired by the Sermon on the Mount, this time in Matthew 5:33-37. Matthew uses the words "swear" and "oath." 

This is such a grand Word from God, "let your “yes” be yes and your “no” be no, so that you may not fall under condemnation."