James 1 (Part 2)

Dear Corey,
We continue our study of James. In this letter I hope to finish chapter 1 and start chapter 2. So let’s jump in.
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above and comes down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.” ~James 1:17

God gives every good and perfect gift and that is generally understood. But look at the last part of the verse, “with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.” God stays the same, day to day, age to age. He doesn’t change His plan, He stays the same and that should comfort us. James 1:19 says, “So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to wrath.” This is a teaching that is often taught even in the non-Christian homes. Most often it’s taught something like this: “You have two ears and one mouth, so do twice as much listening as talking.” While this is an important thing to learn, we often leave out the last part, “slow to wrath.” Why should we be slow to wrath? James 1:20 says, “For the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” We need to be both slow to speak and slow to get angry.

James 1:26 says, “If anyone among you thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue, but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless.” James provides warnings about our speech, and for good reason. Our words are important, because they will travel farther than hearing distance. How many times have you heard, “Did you hear what ----- said?” If you wouldn’t want it published, don’t say it.

James 1:27 says, “Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this, to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.” As this verse is our family’s “motto,” I have strived to reach out, help the orphan, the widow, the poor and oppressed. This is our main calling. Well that concludes James chapter 1. Chapter 2 next letter.

Your BIC,
Nick