James 1:1-4

Introduction:  The book is written by James. Not just any James, but James the brother of Jesus.  That makes it even more interesting that he uses the term "servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ". His addition of the word Lord signifies his understanding that Jesus and God are one.  Again, interesting under the consideration that he was Christ's half- brother.

Patience - The testing of your faith produces patience -The ESV translates it as "steadfastness," but I prefer patience.  As one commentator said, it isn't a passive sitting and waiting, it is an active finishing - like the push to finish a marathon.  Also, I never realized that it wasn't so that God knows how much patience I have, but it is so I know, and others know.  That, for some reason seems to make a huge difference for me. . .