The Book of James

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