To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations:
Greetings.
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever
you face trials of many kinds, because
you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you
may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom,
you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it
will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because
the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive
anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they
do.
Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in
their high position. But the rich should take pride in their humiliation—since
they will pass away like a wild flower. For the sun rises with scorching heat
and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the
same way, the rich will fade away even while they go about their business.
Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because,
having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord
has promised to those who love him.
When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.”
For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is
tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then,
after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is
full-grown, gives birth to death.
Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. Every
good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the
heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. He chose to give us
birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of first fruits of all
he created. James 1:1-18
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