Patient in the Face of Injustice

Extreme injustice and unfairness will cause a great outcry from people everywhere. When the Israelites asked for a king, Samuel warned them of the hardship and the demands that would come along with that choice. God instructed Samuel to give them what they asked for. When the taxation, the demands of service and the unfair treatment started coming their way they cried out in despair.

James begins the fifth chapter by serving a warning notice to the rich oppressors. He warns them about the wages they have failed to pay, about their hoarding of wealth, luxury and self-indulgence. He goes on to encourage believers to be patient until the Lord’s coming just as the farmer patiently waits for the harvest. He says “stand firm; don’t grumble against each other because the Lord’s coming is near.”

This is another one of those areas that can be extremely difficult for us. It leads to a life of grumbling and complaining. Do you ever find yourself or others around you falling into that trap? It can be extremely contagious. It only leaves a sour taste for us and those who listen. We begin to sit in the seat of judgment, against the ones who have violated the rules of “fairness.” James cites the example of Job, how God showed His compassion and mercy to him. There is no promise that in this life we will be completely kept from experiencing injustice brought against us, but we can rest in the confidence, that in the end, God’s judgment will be fair and just!

Prayer: Lord, you have instructed us to pray for our enemies. By Your help and Your grace I release any resentments and malice toward all who may have treated me in an unjust manner. Amen