James, Chapters 1 and 3

Comment:

I'm not going to print out the two chapters, which are very long. The Letter of James is really a sermon, beautifully organized and very specific in affirming the teachings of Jesus. Its author is unknown; even in ancient times, it was recognized that its excellent Greek and its implied references to other epistles make it highly unlikely that its source was James, the brother of Jesus. 

The first chapter calls early Christians to patience and forbearance in the face of challenges to their faith. "Let every man be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger," he writes, "for the anger of man does not work the righteousness of God" (1:19-20 RSV). What's important is to stay focused on spiritual Truth and spiritual purpose: "Religion that is pure and undefiled before God and the Father is this:  to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world" (1:27 RSV).

Chapter 3 affirms that the need for patience and forbearance is especially important for teachers—for those who are called to carry the message to others. They must carefully avoid the two great dangers for teachers:  intemperate speech and arrogance. Intemperate speech comes from an assumption that teaching involves judging the behavior or beliefs of others, rather than simply and lovingly stating one's own Truth. Arrogance leads to "jealousy and selfish ambition" (3:16 RSV). The author's gentle reminder to teachers of spiritual Truth is that "the harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace" (3:18 RSV).

Blessings!

Rev. Ed