My Favorite Verses - Vol III (Aug 16 to Nov 16)

James 1:12 … To endure temptation
(10/05/2016)
“Blessed is anyone who endures temptation.”
~ James (James 1:12)
When reading this verse, it is wise to remember that James was the “Saint of
Doing” – the disciple who seemingly more deeply understood Jesus‟ teachings
than most others; the man who focused on works as the enlivener of all real Faith;
the one who knew that mere mental faith without works is nothing of worth or
merit. As such, in the context of this Wise Man‟s work, we must understand that
the only way to truly “endure temptation” is to actively replace it with its opposite
inclination – to replace the temptation to hoard with deeds of bold Giving, to
replace the temptation to critically judge with humble exhortations of
encouragement, to replace the temptation to complain with active displays of
Gratitude, to replace the temptation of revenge with radical acts of Forgiveness.
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