Give Meaning

Do not complain, brothers and sisters, about one another,
that you may not be judged.
Behold, the Judge is standing before the gates.
Take as an example of hardship and patience, brothers and sisters,
the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.
Indeed we call blessed those who have persevered.
You have heard of the perseverance of Job,
and you have seen the purpose of the Lord,
because the Lord is compassionate and merciful.

JAS 5:9-12

But above all, my brothers and sisters, do not swear,
either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath,
but let your “Yes” mean “Yes” and your “No” mean “No,”
that you may not incur condemnation.

Do not complain, as you must remove the stone in your eye before pointing out the pebble in another’s. In this day and age, we have so many people we look up to as heroes and stars, like movie stars, artists, singers, etc. However, instead of looking to them as an example, God calls us to take hardship and patience as our example. The story about the hottest and newest “star” can be found on the television, internet, and usually on our mobile devices as well. But what about people who are “an example of hardship and patience” like Job, Solomon, and Mary’s path to becoming the mother of Jesus.

           

            Additionally, the verse addresses that of yes and no. It calls believers to let their words have a backing and intention – not to be flippantly said. So our words are to be carefully chosen that we night not lead someone to think we’ve said yes when we meant no and so forth.

Have a blessed day!