The word for today is âdouble-minded.â Most of us have times when our faith wavers, periods when we are unsteady in our life in Christ, moments when we walk with a limp.  In our reading of James 4:7-5:9, James offers the wisdom of how we can regain an unwavering, steady, and unhindered faith. In 1:7, the apostle writes that one who doubts is double-minded, unstable in all his ways. Therefore, in our reading, the apostle writes, âpurify your hearts, you double-minded (vs. 8). To be âdouble-mindedâ is to be of two contending minds. Those who are double-minded have a divided opinion. Yet, they are reluctant to give up either one. So, they vacillate between the two.  In the middle betweenâŠ
The word of the day is âpeace.â Strife and contention are predominant in human society. But in contrast to this way of the world, the Lord said, âBlessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the children on God (Matt.5:9). Our reading of James  3:11-4:6 speaks about the work of peacemakers saying, âthe fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace (3:18).  Todayâs commentary will sketch a profile of the peacemaker based on the apostleâs analysis of the source of human discord. The Source of Human Discord To outline the characteristics of peacemakers, we begin with the apostleâs question, âWhere do wars and fights come from among youâ (4:1)?  The Orthodox Study Bible translates âwarsââŠ
The word of the day is âtongue.â In our reading of James 3:1-10, we hear about the peril of an uncontrolled tongue. But how do we tame it? James doubts we can.  He writes, âfor every kind of beast and bird⊠has been tamed by mankind, but no man can tame the tongueâ (vs. 7). The apostleâs words are a warning to us. Yet we find in the verses that follow todayâs reading and in other wisdom literature some wise advice about getting control of our tongue. Indeed, the unrestrained tongue is more hazardous than a raging forest fire (vs. 5-6) or a torrential flood.  We cannot contain what is said once it spews out its folly, profanity, or rancor. âŠ
The word of the day is âby.â The controversy over faith and works since the Reformation era of the Western Church makes many uncertain about how how faith relates to good works. Todayâs reading of James 2:14-26 argues that âgood worksâ are necessary to faith. The apostle writes, âShow me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my worksâ (vs. 18).  In the Orthodox view, the phrase âby my worksâ suggests an answer to the question of faithâs relationship to good works. However, a discussion of this phrase shows that faith is not only essential to good works But it determines the difference between works and good works (vs. 18). The Source of GoodâŠ
The word of the day is âpattern.â St. Paul presented himself as a positive example of life in Christ.   Yet he also admitted that he was a great sinner for whom the promise of eternal life depended on the grace of God. In our reading of 1 Timothy 3:15-17, Paul writes, âI  received mercy so that in me as the foremost {sinner] Jesus Christ might display the utmost patience, making me an exampleâŠâ (vs. 16 OAB). In 1 Corinthians, Paul directed that the Corinthians consider him their father âthrough the Gospelâ (1 Cor. 4:15).  As their father in faith, he instructed his flock to âimitate himâ (vs.1 Cor. 16), following his example in all that he said and did. PaulâŠ
The word for today is âhope.â  The storms of life often threaten to throw us off course. How can we keep our bearing when the wind and waves of trials and tribulations toss us to and fro? In our reading of Colossians 1:3-6, the apostle suggests an answer:  âWe give thanksâŠ. because of the hope which is laid up for you in heavenâŠâ (vs. 4). In the Word of the Gospel, we hear of the hope reserved for us in the heavens (Strongâs #606, 36). The Greek word translated as âlaid upâ expresses the sense of a store of blessings that awaits us.  They are âstored upâ as a treasure kept under guard until its owner comes to claim it.âŠ
The word for today is âpartiality.â Favoritism is the way of the world.  Human society is so ordered that some are more advantaged, favored, and honored than others. However, the Gospel opposes and reverses this preferential treatment of the privileged. In our reading of James 2:1-13, we read, âMy Brethren, do not hold the faith our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of Glory, with partialityâ (vs. 10). The Greek word translated as âpartialityâ means the ârespect of personsâ (Strongâs #4372, 2160). But the word has the connotation that this regard for others is based on outer appearance, not on inner character. We hear this undertone in the flattery that the Herodians used in their attempt to trick Jesus: âYou doâŠ
The word of the day is âdoer.â In our reading of James 1:19-27, we confront the teaching that we must be âdoers of the Word and not hearers onlyâ (vs. 22). This instruction immediately calls to mind the controversy between âfaith and worksâ that has raged in the Western church since the Reformation. The issue has so prejudiced our reading that James is often treated as a foil to the teaching of Paul on grace. But let us clear our minds to hear the message of this passage. Letâs begin with the question, âWhat, after all, are âworksâ (vs. 2:14)?â  The Greek word for âworksâ means simply âactsâ or a âdeedsâ (Strongâs #2041, 102). They are what âdoers of theâŠ
The word for today is âtrials.â  Today in our reading of James 1:1-18, we begin our study of the New Testament book of James.  Two themes serve as bookends for this opening passage: trials and temptations. The apostle asserts that when we endure trials patiently, they are constructive. He writes, âMy brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trialsâŠâ (vs.2). Yet, when we give in to temptations, they are destructive.   The apostle writes, âBut each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desiresâŠ[and] when desire has conceived it gives birth to sin⊠and brings forth deathâ (vs. 14-15). The Divine Gift of Wisdom To distinguish between trials and temptations takes wisdom. Wisdom isâŠ
The word for today is ârefuse.â  In todayâs reading of  Hebrew 12:25-26, 13:22-25,  we hear that we should not disregard the Word of the Lord when He proclaims it to us. The apostle writes, âSee that you do not refuse Him who speaks⊠(vs. 25). To understand this warning, we must explain the preceding verses. Beginning with Chapter 12:18, the apostle contrasts Mt. Sinai where Moses received the Law with Mt. Zion, the city of the living Godâ (vs.22).   This heavenly city is the meeting place of angels and the assembly of those whose names are âregistered in heaven.â Thus, it is the company of the righteous who are âfirstborn,â firstborn in the sense that they are first in theâŠ