Verse of the Day (January 20, 2020)

Verse of the Day (January 20, 2020) #BMSemiary – this epistle on Christian living, James opens with a most crucial topic: the trials of life. These verses describe the various testings—whether from the world and Satan, or from God—into which godly Christians fall (Gr. peripiptō). These “negative” experiences are to be accepted with great joy, not for the sake of the trial itself but because of the positive work God can accomplish through the testing. The words in verses 2 and 3 (temptations and trying) are often regarded as virtually synonymous. If this were true, then trials themselves would produce spiritual maturity. But they do not. Often, testings make Christians bitter instead of better, with no spiritual growth occurring. The Greek word for “trying” (dokimion) might be better translated as “approving.” It is not merely one’s presence in such trials but one’s victory over them that brings spiritual growth and maturity. Those Christians whom God can use the most are those whom God has bruised the most. (KJV Study Bible)