James 5 is the last chapter in this book.
To follow the rest of the theme of the book, James 5 continues to set many guidelines as to how to live our lives.
(This chapter is pretty self explanatory, as the rest of James is.)
It starts with a warning to rich oppressors.
“Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming on you… The wages you failed to pay the workers who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty.” (5:1,4)
Basically, be fair with your money.
The next part of the chapter refers to having patience with God,
Something I dont have.
Having patience with God is an important part of keeping our Faith.
“Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming… be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near.” (5:7,8)
“Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged…”
Wait for it!!
“The Judge is standing at the door!” (5:9)
This part has the same emphasis as James 4:12.
If you haven’t gotten the idea that it is bad to judge your brothers or to do wrong against them, you should probably reread this book.
“Above all, my brothers and sisters, do not swear—not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. All you need to say is a simple “Yes” or “No.” Otherwise you will be condemned.”
In this sense, a “swear” would be a promise.
So are we not suppose to promise things?
Bev and I talked about this before. This is what we concluded:
Don’t say “I swear to… (insert noun here)”
Let your yes mean yes and no mean no.
Let all your words be meaningful and honest.
The next topic is prayer.
Prayer is one of the most important parts of having a relationship with God.
“Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” (5:13-14,16)
Bottom line? Prayer is powerful.
“...remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins.” (5:20)
If this doesn't inspire you to share God’s word, I don't know what will.
Over all, we have:
-be fair with money
-patience with God
-judging our neighbors
-bring people back to God
It is important, as Christians, that we are following the Bible and things put in place by God
-LuLu and Chris
Thank you all for letting me do these James blogs! I hope to continue these with Bev
Love,
LuLu