Why do we have a joyful attitude as we face trials? Because we love God, and He loves us, and He will not harm us. Why do we have an understanding mind? Because He loves us and has shared His truth with us, and we love Him in return. Why do we have a surrendered will? Because we love Him. Where there is love, there is surrender and obedience. Why do we have a believing heart? Because love and faith go together. When we love someone, we trust him, and do not hesitate to ask him for help.

But there is another factor involved: love keeps us faithful to the Lord. The double-minded person is like an unfaithful husband or wife: he wants to love both God and the world. James admonished, “Purify your hearts, ye double minded” (4:8). The Greek word translated by the word purify literally means “make chaste.” The picture is that of an unfaithful lover.

God’s purpose in trials is maturity. “Let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing” (1:4). The Charles B. Williams translation says it graphically: “But you must let your endurance come to its perfect product so that you may be fully developed and perfectly equipped.”

Verse for Today: “Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 1:13).

Also read: James 1:5-8; 4:8; 2 Timothy 3:16-17.

Action assignment: A sound biblical hope is developed by sound Bible study. Visit a Christian bookstore and consider the Bible study books displayed there; the right one may be there for you. As you give Bible study a priority in your life and pray for
wisdom as you study, you can gain true maturity in all phases of your walk with God.

Warren W. Wiersbe
www.backtothebible.in