Pure joy is obviously hard to have when we go through tough trials. It's all too easy to feel sorry for ourselves, vent or take it out on others, question what you possibly did to deserve it, and blame others for what we might be going through. Does this really make us feel better about it though? Even though our natural reactions come too easily, we need to take James' advice to "consider it pure joy."
By James saying that we should have a joyful attitude toward everything we go through, it means that we have no reason to worry or be angry. He isn't just giving us false hope to get us through, he really means what he says. Another comforting part of this passage is how James addresses us as brothers/sisters. It reminds us that we are not alone, and can go to each other with our problems and get through them together.
One thing to think about is, not only is this hard for us, but for those around us. When we have people that are close to us going through rough patches, sometimes we just tell them what they want to hear and make them feel like they have a reason to be angry even more, when we should be trying to encourage them with the same message of hope that we are trying to live by. Having this attitude can also be an opportunity to witness to others about the reason for the joy that we have from our gift of salvation.
If we can be thankful for the hard situations God puts in our path, just think of how much more grateful we will be for all of the daily blessings He provides for us! I hope all of you are having a wonderful day!
-Jess
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Jess, I especially liked your comment that we should apply this to the way we comfort others--not just being there to feel sorry with them if they are down or affirm their reasoning to be angry, but lovingly pointing them to respond to the conflict as God would have them. This can be a hard balance. Rare is the friend who can express genuine concern in a loving way, while pointing out our sin, all the while living out "pure joy" in the face of conflict in her own life. I want to become that kind of friend.
ReplyDeleteI second that entire comment. !!!!
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