James 5:8

8. "So you also must be patient. Establish your hearts [strengthen and confirm them in the final certainty], for the coming of the Lord is very near."

James reveals a key to how this "patience" is achieved. He says, "Establish your hearts". The Amplified justifiably adds, "to strengthen and confirm our heart in the final certainty", taking into account the context of all James has to say. What man or women can do this? No human can do this. This "strengthening of the heart" is the work of Christ Jesus, through the reading of God's Word, and the interpretation of the Holy Spirit. Faith, which is what James is talking about, comes by hearing the Word of God.

Patience is one of the manifestations of God's love. God works this patience out from within us by way of our relationship with Him through trials... we experience something in life... seek Him (through His Word, the leading and testing of His Holy Spirit) and do what He says in a trusting relationship. That is the exercising of our faith, and all the while anticipating His soon return.

Let's pick up with James verse 5:9 next time.

I love you.