Ministry of Grace Church

Therefore, brothers, be patient until the coming of the Lord. See, the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it might receive the early and latter rains.

Truth to Learn

Patiently suffering in the midst of unfair treatment by others will bring glory to God.

 

Behind the Words

The word translated “patient” is the Greek word, makrothumeō. This is a compound word made up of makros, meaning “long” and thumos, meaning “wrath” or “anger.” Hence, makrothumeō means “to suffer long” or “to persevere patiently.” This is different than the word hupomenō, translated “patience” in James 1:3, 4. Generally, hupomenō (remaining under) refers to patiently putting up with things or circumstances, whereas makrothumeō (being long suffering) means to exercise understanding and patience towards other persons, especially those who are oppressive.

“Coming” is from parousia, which is from paron, meaning “to be present.” Thus, parousia represents “the presence” of someone or something.

The Greek word ekdechomai is translated here as “waits.” Ekdechomai is made up of ek, meaning “out” or “out of” and dechomai, meaning “to receive.” In its common usage it means “to watch for” or “to wait for with expectation.”

“Early” is translated from proimon, which is an adjective that refers to “daybreak” or “early morning.” It is the word used to describe the rains that come in the autumn.

“Latter” is translated from opsimos, which is derived from opse, meaning “late.” Opsimos is the word used to describe the rains that come in the spring.

 

Meaning Explained

Now that James has admonished the rich for their unjust treatment of the poor, he turns his attention to those brothers who had been suffering at the hands of the rich men. His message is pretty simple – “Be patient!” This is always the message to Christians who have been treated unfairly. It is not our place to seek revenge, as it says in Romans 12:17-19:

Giving back to no one, evil for evil. Providing right things before all men. If possible, so far as is in you, being at peace with all men. Not avenging yourselves, beloved, but giving place to wrath, for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay," says the Lord.

Christ Himself set the example for us to follow. Though He was innocent, he did not strike back when he was struck and he did not argue when he was falsely accused.

By way of encouragement, James cites an example of how patience pays off. He says, “See, the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth …” and just as God provides water and growth for the plants he will help the oppressed through their trying times and will someday avenge Himself on the wrongdoers. If necessary, we need to be patient until the coming of The Lord.

James’ admonition to be long suffering until the coming of the Lord is a reminder to those who are being oppressed, that the Judgment Day is coming. The faithless rich who are behaving selfishly and oppressively toward the poor will one day stand before God to receive harsh judgment for their actions. The faithful poor, however, who are being unfairly treated by the rich will also stand before the Judge, but they will receive mercy instead of wrath.

 

Application

Just remember that God teaches each one of us patience by putting us in situations where we have to wait on Him. It cannot be learned any other way. So, if you are now in a situation where you have been praying and waiting, remember to praise God for it (not in spite of it, but because of it) since He is developing patience in you and making you more like Christ!