You too must be patient. Make your hearts firm, because the coming of the Lord is at hand. James 5:8
We need not look any further: the Lord is at hand in our hearts, in every person, every plant, every animal, every raindrop, every snowflake, every sunset. There is no need to be afraid. We are always in the heart of God.
Today I will be patient with myself and others as I cultivate the precious fruit of love for God and my neighbor.
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Where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every foul practice. But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peaceable, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, without inconstancy or insincerity. James 3:16-18
The Scriptures are like a spiritual emery board, gently smoothing my tendency to put myself first, hold on to grudges, and ignore the needs of the vulnerable. The Scriptures teach me that the Way of Christ is to make a priority of the needs of God’s children at every level of society, from babies and toddlers to the the hungry and the homeless, the elderly and infirm, the sick and dying, the lonely and forgotten.
Today I will remember all people are God’s vulnerable children. In peace and sincerity, I will reach out to help someone in need.
Humbly welcome the word that has been planted in you and is able to save your souls.
Be doers of the word and not hearers only, deluding yourselves. James 1:21b-22
The Word in our hearts is love. The Word is what inspires us to greet others with a smile, take time to listen when someone needs to process difficult feelings, pray for those who are struggling, ask God to guide our words and actions.
Today I will attend to what I say and do that I may not defile the world with unkindness, bitterness, or indifference. I will welcome the guidance of the Word in my heart and be intentional about embodying the love of God in all my interactions.
And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace for those who cultivate peace. James 3:18
When I am at peace with myself, I am able to be of gentle, consistent, compassionate service to others.
Today I will let go of ambition and envy. I will take five minutes of quiet time to feel the peace of God in my heart. I will receive all people in the name of Love.
“…the blind regain their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have the good news proclaimed to them.”
Matthew 11:5
See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains. You too must be patient. James 5:7b-8a
In patience I find
gentleness
forgiveness
endurance
forbearance
compassion
hope
Today, Lord, bless me with patience.
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Carl Rathjens (1887-1966)
Photo of Jewish youth in Sana’a Yemen, grinding coffee grains on millstone, 1934
Generosity contains a large measure of justice. Those who share their resources recognize that all people deserve to eat, live in a safe home, and have access to good health care and education.
Greed, then, contains a large measure of injustice. Those who are afraid to share their resources have forgotten the command to love our neighbors as ourselves.
Today I will share my time, talent, or material resources with someone in need.
Behold, the wages you withheld from the workers who harvested your fields are crying aloud; and the cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of hosts. James 5:4
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Refugee Children
Andy Wheatley, UK Department for International Development
“Whoever receives one child such as this in my name, receives me; and whoever receives me, receives not me but the One who sent me.” Mark 9:37
When I am dismayed by the violence, finger-pointing, injustice, and anger that is prevalent in society, I look deep inside to uncover and let go of my own envy, arrogance, selfishness, and resentment.
To bring the fruit of peace, responsibility, compassion, and forgiveness to my interactions is my daily calling so that I may be a small part of the solution to what troubles our world.
Where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every foul practice. But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peaceable, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, without inconstancy or insincerity. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace for those who cultivate peace. James 3:16-18
Rétire-toi, Satan
James Tissot (1836-1902)
opaque watercolor over graphite on gray wove paper, between 1886 and 1894
Brooklyn Museum
“But who do you say that I am?” You ask me.
In faith, I would answer, ““You are the Christ.”
But am I welcoming people who are strangers to me? Am I providing shelter for those who are homeless? Am I sharing my food with those who are hungry? Am I forgiving those who have hurt me? Am I loving as You have loved me?
Indeed someone might say, “You have faith and I have works.”
Demonstrate your faith to me without works,
and I will demonstrate my faith to you from my works. James 2:18
Mary Ann McSweeny 