St. James 1:12 “God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.”
What does it mean to endure? What is perseverance? (1)
13 “And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, “God is tempting me.” God is never tempted to do wrong,[a] and he never tempts anyone else. 14 Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. 15 These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death.
16 So don’t be misled, my dear brothers and sisters. 17 Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens.[b] He never changes or casts a shifting shadow.[c] 18 He chose to give birth to us by giving us his true word. And we, out of all creation, became his prized possession…[d]
26 If anyone [e]among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless. 27 Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.”
(1) “Poor in spirit”. The holy ones say we can never go wrong when, considering the heights to which we are called, we see how far we are from it. The Imitation of Christ urges us to see our deficits and to fear all self-satisfaction.
“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” James 4:10
James 4 speaking to the Christian Community:
8 “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.”
