James 1:3

3 Your faith will be put to the test. You know that when that happens it will produce in you the strength to continue.

James 1:3 Meaning and Commentary

James 1:3

Knowing this
By experience; as everyone that is trained up in the school of affliction does: the apostle appeals to the saints, to whom he writes, for the truth of what he was about to say; and which he gives as a reason why they should rejoice in afflictions, because it is a known fact,

that the trying of your faith worketh patience:
two things afflictions do when sanctified; one is, they try faith, the truth of it, and make it appear to be true, genuine, and precious, like gold tried in the fire; see ( 1 Peter 1:6 1 Peter 1:7 ) and the other is, that they produce patience: saints being inured to afflictions, become by degrees more patient under them; whence it is good for a man to bear the yoke in his youth: this phrase may be understood, both of faith, which being tried by afflictions, produces patience; for where the one is in exercise, the other is also, and both are necessary under afflictive providences; and also of afflictions, which try faith, and being sanctified by the Spirit of God, work patience, which is a fruit of the Spirit; for otherwise the effect of them is impatience; and this agrees with the Apostle Paul in ( Romans 5:3 Romans 5:4 ) .

James 1:3 In-Context

1 I, James, am writing this letter. I serve God and the Lord Jesus Christ. I am sending this letter to you, the 12 tribes that are scattered among the nations. Greetings.

2 My brothers and sisters, you will face all kinds of trouble. When you do, think of it as pure joy.

3 Your faith will be put to the test. You know that when that happens it will produce in you the strength to continue.

4 The strength to keep going must be allowed to finish its work. Then you will be all you should be. You will have everything you need.

5 If any of you need wisdom, ask God for it. He will give it to you. God gives freely to everyone. He doesn't find fault.