James may be a mere five chapters long
But its messages are powerful and strong
Pastor Josh and Howie both shared views
Over four weeks, we sat on chairs not pews
Luther actually said this book was “from straw”
Because of the conflict with Paul that he saw
But a careful reading leads most to disagree
Such God-inspired wisdom is clear to see
About trials chapter one does take a stance
The testing of faith produces perseverance
We can ask the Lord if wisdom we do lack
But we must not let doubts our belief attack
If we persevere under trial we will be blessed
Getting the crown of life for standing the test
God can never be the source of temptation
Desire leads to sin and then to condemnation
We should be quick to listen, slow to speak
For anger is not what God in us does seek
Listen to the Word and then do as it does say
Do not forget everything and go our own way
A tight rein on our tongues we should keep
Otherwise His full blessings we will not reap
Chapter two starts on the topic of favouritism
Remember in God’s eyes there is no schism
To love our neighbour as ourself we are told
By showing favoritism, sin will get a foothold
A critical message appears in verse thirteen
As “mercy triumphs over judgement” is seen
Verse seventeen is controversial, it is said
James claimed "faith without actions is dead”
This seeming contradiction is just a paradox
For faith cannot be contained in a sealed box
Abraham’s faith and actions worked together
So he was God’s friend no matter the weather
We must try to have our actions honour God
To ensure that our faith is not just a facade
Teachers should be careful, per chapter three
For those who know will be judged more strictly
With references to Matthew twelve and Luke six
A mouth speaks on what the heart does transfix
Able to corrupt the body, the tongue is a fire
To ensure words impact positively, we aspire
A good life includes deeds done in humility
Such humility comes from wisdom not envy
For where there is envy and selfish ambition
Disroder and evil practice will be the condition
Heavenly wisdom is both pure and sincere
Also peace-loving and considerate we hear
Those who sow in peace reap righteousness
For their approach will so many other bless
About quarrels, chapter four does then begin
They result from covetousness, which is a sin
We do not have because of God we do not ask
Or we do so with the wrong motives as a mask
Befriending the world implies being God’s enemy
For His Spirit to dwell in us, God longs jealously
Submit to God and resist the devil so he flees
Humbly purifying our hearts will the Lord please
We should not slander others, per verse eleven
The only judgement should come from heaven
We can never know what will happen tomorrow
Giving God control therefore eliminates sorrow
Let our faith bear fruit in our works in this life
Those works ensure eternal glory will be rife
Chapter five has a warning to rich oppressors
James considers them fraudulent aggressors
Hoarding and saving have different motivations
The former feels unsafe due to its foundations
Have patience in suffering, per verse seven
Stand firm and then get blessings from heaven
The Lord is full of compassion and mercy
Many Biblical examples of this we can see
Letting words speak for themselves is a must
The foundation of strong relationships is trust
The prayer of a righteous person is effective
Caring for each other was Jesus’ directive
Sin is destroyed when it is exposed to light
Helping others turn from sin is clearly right
About our heart James does more than quip
So we pray, meditate, proclaim, and fellowship
