Ministry of Grace Church

Indeed we count blessed those who are enduring. You heard of the perseverance of Job and saw the end intended by the Lord—that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful.

Truth to Learn

Enduring hardship is not easy, but it will be rewarding.

 

Behind the Words

The expression “count blessed” is from the Greek word makaridzō, a verb form of the noun makarios, meaning “possessing the favor of God” or “blessed.” Hence, the word makaridzō means “to declare someone’s blessedness because of God’s favor shown to them.”

The words “enduring” and “perseverance” are both forms of hupomonē, which we saw earlier meaning “to remain under.” It is the picture of a beast of burden that faithfully remains under a burdensome, heavy load even when tempted to dump the load. Hence, hupomonē means “to patiently endure.”

“Very compassionate” is translated from polusplagchnos, made up of polus, meaning “much” and splagchnon, which literally refers to “the bowels.” Though it may sound strange to our way of thinking, in the first century it was thought that the bowels, the intestines, were the seat of our emotions and it was from our “gut” that we expressed our love and compassion. Indeed, science has recently discovered that the cell structure of our intestines are closely linked to our brain cells and that they are, in fact, at least partially responsible for our emotional response.

The word “merciful” is from the Greek oiktirmōn. This is the adjective form of oikteirō, which refers to showing a sympathetic feeling of pity or compassion. Oiktirmōn and splagchnon are very closely related words, both expressing sympathy and concern for a loved one.

 

Meaning Explained

James has been speaking of enduring trials and persevering patiently. Here he says that those who endure are counted happy (or blessed because of God’s favor shown to them). Earlier James said,

Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for having been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. (James 1:12)

Knowing that they shall receive such a reward, James says we count them as blessed already.

Here he now gives us an example, that of Job. The expression, “and saw the end intended by the Lord” is thought by some to refer to the death of Christ. That, however, does not fit with the point that James is making here (that of compassion and mercy toward those who endure). Instead, this expression most likely refers to the end state of Job provided by the Lord, showing His compassion and tender mercy toward Job for his patient suffering. James uses this to encourage us as we, too, endure times of trial and learn patience in the midst of suffering.

James’ point is that this end state of Job, the fact that his health, his wealth, and most importantly his family were restored to him was a blessing. And, if we patiently endure to the end, we will be blessed by God as well.

 

Application

Does this now make the trial you are enduring seem less burdensome? It should! Dear brother or sister in Christ, you are loved by the God of all creation. He cares dearly about you and wants to bless you, even in the midst of the current hardship you are going through. Hang in there and give Him praise!