[:en]WARNING TO RICH OPPRESSORS (vs. 1-6)
James warned about the evil effects of loving money. It causes some people to oppress others by hoarding wealth and not paying their workmen accordingly. Poor laborers borrowed money and could not pay their debts. They were either thrown in prison or forced to sell all their possessions. Sometimes, they were even forced to sell their family members into slavery. Hoarding money, exploiting employees and living self-indulgently will not escape God’s condemnation.
PATIENCE IN SUFFERING (vs. 7-12)
As a farmer must wait patiently for his crops to grow, he has to continue working to ensure a good harvest. In the same way, as we are waiting patiently for God’s return, we must work to advance God’s kingdom. We must be patient and be able to stand firm because the Lord’s coming is near. Do not judge each other, for Christ is the only Judge to evaluate each of us.
Be patient in the face of suffering, for you will be blessed if you persevere. Do not swear but say with an honoest “yes” oir “no. Be trustworthy by avoiding lies, half-truths and omision of the truth.
THE PRAYER OF FAITH (vs. 13-19)
Those who are in trouble should pray. Those who are happy must sing songs of praise. Those who are sick should call the elders of the church to pray on him and annoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. “Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. The prayer offered in faith will make the person well.
Elijah prayed not to rain and it did not rain for 3 and a half years. He prayed again and the heaven gave rain and the earth produced it s crop.
A brother who wanders from the truth should be brought back. James urged Christians to help backsliders return to God by taking the initiative, praying for him and acting in love.
The book of James emphasizes faith in action with right living as the evidence of real faith. The church must serve with compassion, speak truthfully, live in obedience to God’s commands and love one another. Let us live God’s word by drawing people to Christ through love for God and love for each other.[:]