“You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door.” – James 5:8-9
We know the end of the story: Jesus comes back in triumph, evil is defeated, sin is wiped away, creation is fully restored to perfection. Now we must live in holy, Christlike patience for that end. Christ’s return may come in our lifetime or it may come long after we pass away and enter the presence of Jesus. The exact timing doesn’t change how we are to live. We must live well, we must live like Jesus, we must be patient, and we must always be ready to meet our judge.
The world can certainly be shocking and discouraging. It’s easy to give up on trying to act like Jesus when so few are. That’s why James tells you to “establish your heart.” Solidify and commit to your intentions to patiently live in grace, love, and holiness until the day you die or until Christ returns. Understand what it looks like to live for Jesus, determine to live for Jesus, live for Jesus. Keep growing in your understanding of Scripture so you can course correct where you discover that you still fall short of His standard and glory in certain areas of your life.
Live with peace toward other Christians. Speak only words of praise, encouragement, and loving correction. Don’t just pointlessly complain about other believers. Don’t gossip. Don’t harbor resentment or bitterness. If there’s something between you and another Christian, talk to them directly. Go through the process of Matthew 18 to be reconciled to them, if need be. Life is too short and Christ’s return too imminent to waste time holding grudges against one another. Bitterness is too poisonous to drink yourself in the hopes others will suffer. Let love characterize you, your church and your small groups as far as you’re responsible. #FollowJesus