Ministry of Grace Church

But let patience have its completing work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

Truth to Learn

God is constantly working on us to make us into a complete image of His Son. Don’t fight it, let it happen. Just remember, it’s not always easy or comfortable.

Behind the Words

“Let … have” is translated from the word echō, which means “to have something” or “to hold on to something.” This particular word is expressed in the Greek imperative mood. That means it is a command, not a suggestion.

The word translated “completing” is teleios, which means “to be brought to its end” or “to be completed.” This is the same root word as the one used by Jesus at the end of His time on the cross when He said, “It is finished!” (John 19:30).

The word “complete” is translated from the Greek holoklēros, which is a compound word made up of holos meaning “all” or “the whole” and klēros meaning “a part or a share.” Hence, this word means “having all the parts together as a whole” or “to be complete with all its parts”

“Lacking” is translated from a form of leipō meaning “to be deficient in, or lacking something.”

Meaning Explained

Allow me to paraphrase this command that James gives to all of us:

But let your ability to persevere perform its finishing work so that you may be completely finished (Christ-like), not lacking in any detail.

As we saw in the previous verse, God is not punishing us when difficulties arise in our lives. He is refining our faith to make it pure and strong. So, when these situations arise in your life, don’t complain about them, learn to endure them resting in the everlasting arms of God. Know that God is using these trials to complete His work in you so that you will not lack anything in your Christian life.

Paul gave us some further insight regarding our response to these difficult situations, instructing us what to do in the midst of these trying times:

Be anxious about nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; (Philippians 4:6)

So, when you undergo trying situations in your walk with God, don’t get uptight. God knows that it is uncomfortable for you, but He also knows what is best for you. Get on your knees and talk to God about it.

Application

Don’t complain or worry when you find yourself mired in one of the difficulties of life. Instead, hang in there and thank God for it, knowing that He is using it to make you complete! As you talk to God about it He will show you what you are to learn from the situation and He will make you more like His Son. He is able!