James 1:2-4
What is written? (ESV)
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
What does it say?
Brethren, count it a joy when you meet trials of all kinds, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. Let that have its full effect so that you will be complete, lacking nothing.
What is its immediate context?
James, probably the brother of Jesus, is writing a very practical letter to “the twelve tribes in the Dispersion” (vs 1). This appears to be a figurative representation of all saints at that time that had been dispersed abroad.
How James 1:2-4 is applied across Bible answers
What is a Christian’s joy?
We are to define "joy" as overcoming trials that test our faith. In other words, in our Christian walk, it is a "joy" by becoming more "perfect and complete" in our faith.
