Suffer Well: The people of God are to suffer well (1 Pet. 2:19-23). In times of distress, we are to exhibit patience (5:7-8), endurance (5:10-11) and integrity (5:12). Our culture says that abuse and oppression give us moral authority to retaliate (think intersectionality), but James tells us that we are not even to grumble, not even in our hearts (5:9). The Lord’s coming will mean judgment for those who neglected this holy conduct even if they have been mistreated. The Lord will wipe away every tear. We endure and wait patiently for Him.[1] The many days of waiting can weary us, but one extraordinary day is surely coming (2 Pet. 3:4).[2] So we say, “Amen. Come, Lord Jesus” (Rev. 22:20)!
Examples: Setting our eyes on the right examples is crucial for a healthy walk with the Lord, especially during times of suffering. Thus, James first turns our gaze toward the farmer who tills and sows then waits. He can do nothing to expedite the growth of his crop or the harvest time; so he waits. Likewise, we wait for the Lord’s return.[3] Prophets who suffered greatly[4] also encourage us to endure. Like them, we pray and wait. Lastly, James points us to Job, a man of God who hoped in God and spoke rightly of Him amid his great pain.[5] In the end, Job saw God’s great compassion and mercy. Such examples of endurance cheer us on to persevere, even the supreme example of Jesus (Heb. 12:3)!
[1] The Christ’s return motivates endurance, patience and integrity (5:7, 9, 12). Eschatological accountability and comfort drive us toward faithfulness to the Lord in times of suffering.
[2] The fulfillment of God’s Word has always come with patient waiting. Cf. Heb. 11:13.
[3] The Lord’s coming has been fixed by the Father’s own authority (Acts 1:7), the times and epochs of which we do not know (1 Thess. 5:1-2), and we patiently wait for the Lord to return as He promised (John 14:3).
[4] Prophets were persecuted (Matt. 5:11-12; Heb. 11:32-34). Consider Elijah (1 Kings 19:1-4), Jeremiah (Jere. 11:19-20; 20:1-2; 26:11; 37:15-16; 38:4-6), Ezekiel (Ezek. 2:6), Daniel (Dan. 6:16), and John (Matt. 14:3-11).
[5] Job wasn’t sinless (Job 42:6) and he had many honest questions in the midst of profound suffering, but he hoped in God (Job 1:21-22; 2:10; 16:19; 19:25-27) and he spoke rightly about Him (42:7-8).