A slight exaggeration?

Often I wonder about James.  He was our Lord’s brother.  That means he grew up with the perfect brother.   That may not have been the easiest thing in the world.  In his book, James tells us to “consider it all joy when we face trials”.  Surely, he didn’t really mean that.   All JOY—that seems a bit over the top doesn’t it?   There are some really bad things that we have to face.  Surely, James doesn’t mean we can be joyful in the worst times.  Or does he?  Ya, I think he really does believe that you and I can be joyful in the worst circumstances.  This Sunday, we are going to explore the means to finding joy in each and every situation. 

 

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.  Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.  James 1:2-4