Like a farmer who waits patiently for the land to produce a harvest, we grow in spiritual maturity as we are patient in the process between the planting of the seed and the promise of harvest.

I can lay down the pressure to constantly prove my worth, and live with greater freedom and greater perspective, purpose, and power.

God has given us immense power for the mission He has called us to—the power to speak life and love, break chains, and release hope. This power is in our words and communication. Evaluate the platform we have and the message we are sharing. Our words can change the course of the future for ourselves and those around us. We have a platform to share the gospel of Jesus Christ unlike any other generation before us.

James wrote this book to encourage, love, and direct the people of God. His motivation is love. The Jewish people’s religious identity was tied to their national identity. Their religious expression was based on good works or keeping the Law. Jesus came and fulfilled the Law. He came to do what God knew humans could not do, which was to keep the Law of God perfectly. Jesus saved us by grace, apart from works. We no longer have to keep the Law to be made right with God; it is by God’s grace. However, when we think that ‘good works’ aren’t important, we miss the heart of the Law—LOVE!

We attach value to differences we see in others who are not like us, which leads to factions and divisions, and destroys unity. We divide ourselves up and then fight against each other. We judge others’ value based on our own fleeting emotions (i.e. sports, politics, music, race, gender, socio-economic status, etc.) We no longer see the God-given value in others. Every person possesses the same God-given value and should be treated accordingly, including having equal access to the Father. We lock ourselves into categories, but Jesus wants to bring unity. (Ephesians 2:14-22) - James 2:1-13

We live in a culture that makes it easy to follow and unfollow. Is it giving us more power or is it robbing us of power? - James 1