I received the opportunity to lead our small group Bible study this past week.
We’ve been studying the book of James and focused on the last chapter: James 5:7-12. As we were meeting at our home, the husband off-handedly suggested, “Would you mind leading the discussion on Wednesday?”
“No problem,” I swiftly responded without a second of hesitation.
I found out later the topic was patience — and do not grumble. (Insert eye-roll here)
Thursday I watched Mike, the farm manager, mow the hay from the cow field next door and pondered about how farmers wait patiently as in James 5:7: “See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm …”
Verse 9 reminds us, “Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door.” I later questioned if it was technically a grumble when a black SUV erratically cut in front of me on State Road 135 and I reacted by simultaneously braking and throwing the “duh, why” sign of one-open-hand up.
When our small group gathered to discuss the Word, one teacher shared her insight from teaching Zoom classes through a COVID year. She noted, “It was thoroughly frustrating to all of us, learning the new technology and teaching the kids and parents… I decided early on that I would show patience through grace and only encourage the parents, even if they asked me for their log-in information for the hundredth time. I answered parent and child questions with ‘How can I help you?'” On the last day of school, “I met family members in person — some for the first time — and I got a full-on hug from a student and their grandmother and father,” she noted with tears. They thanked her for her patience.
Her experience curtly reminded me that when I am impatient, I am usually also judging someone. To overcome judgement, replace it with love, grace and mercy.
James 5:7-12
“Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door.
Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.
Above all, my brothers and sisters, do not swear—not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. All you need to say is a simple ‘Yes’ or ‘No.’ Otherwise you will be condemned.”
Janet Hommel Mangas grew up on the east side of Greenwood. The Center Grove area resident and her husband are the parents of three daughters. Send comments to [email protected].
