Ministry of Grace Church

My brothers, consider it all joy when you fall into various trials,

Truth to Learn

Trials come to make us stronger Christians. They are not to be feared and avoided. They are to be embraced and endured.

Behind the Words

“Count” is translated from a form of the Greek word hēgeomai, which literally means “to go forth” or “to lead the way.” Metaphorically, however, it means “to lead out before the mind.” In other words, it can be translated as “to view, regard, esteem, count, consider, or reckon.” The interesting thing about this verb is that it is not written in the imperative mood. In other words, it is not a command, but an instruction (a lesson to be learned).

The word translated “joy” could also be translated as “calm delight,” “gladness,” or “happiness.” It is translated from charan, which is the noun form of the same word with which James ended the previous verse.

The expression “fall into” is from the Greek word peripiptō, which is a compound word made up of peri meaning “around” or “about” and piptō meaning “to fall.” Hence, this word means “to fall into the midst of something so as to be totally surrounded by it.”

The word translated “trials” is from the Greek, peirosmos which refers to “a trial, temptation, or a putting to proof by means of experimentation.”

Meaning Explained

Once again, James shows his humility by referring to his readers as “brothers.” Notice that there is no pretense with James about being a bishop writing to ordinary Christians. That’s because in Christ there is no distinction between priests and lay believers as some churches teach today. We are all equal in the body of Christ.

In the previous verse James gave his greeting with an expression of joy and delight. That’s precisely what he wants for us, and that’s how he wants us to respond to the everyday trials that come into our lives.

The main point of James’ message to his brothers (and sisters) in Christ is that we should not complain about the fact that we are being bombarded by all sorts of situations that try our patience and our faith, even though we repeatedly stumble. Rather, he says, we should consider it delightful because of what it will produce in us. Just as a jeweler has to strike and abrade a precious stone to bring out the best in it, so each of us needs difficulties and trials to help us grow into the type of servant of God who is more Christ-like.

And, just as a plant grown indoors away from any wind cannot survive outside because it has no strength, so we need challenging and toughening to make us stronger servants of the Lord. That way we can stand strong for Him in the life He has given us. Without continual trials and testing we, too, become weak and unable to stand in the midst of a sinful world.

Application

Don’t complain when things seem difficult spiritually, physically, or emotionally. Instead, count it as a joyful thing, and thank God for the opportunity to be made more like His Son!

The next time you feel like saying “Why, God! Why are You letting this happen to me?” try saying, “Thank you, God, for helping me to become more like Jesus Christ” and ask “What do you want me to learn from this, Lord?”