Some people recoil at the phrase “suffer well,” believing it sounds dismissive or insensitive to real pain. Certainly, we must use this encouragement wisely, carefully, and compassionately. Yet we cannot ignore that James calls believers to exactly this – to suffer well. Not stoically, not independently, and not with a fake smile, but with patient endurance anchored in the compassion and mercy of the Lord and motivated by the return of Christ. 

I am grateful for the incredible discussion today in my life group, similar to the conversation about faith that works. In our conversation, we discussed how long-term struggles have a way of wearing us down. When a trial stretches beyond days into weeks, months, or even years, the weight of discouragement can begin pressing heavily on the soul. In those moments, the temptation is strong to forget what is true – particularly the full compassion and mercy of the Lord. James, writing to believers who were suffering injustice, hardship, and uncertainty, calls them back to a perspective dependent upon God’s character and the certainty of His return.

James 5:7–12 provides a helpful word for every believer walking through a prolonged valley of suffering and struggle. Whether the hardship is physical, relational, financial, or spiritual, the call remains the same: wait patiently and strengthen your heart because the Lord is full of compassion and mercy. Please do not miss this: you wait patiently and strengthen your heart because of the Lord Who is full of compassion and mercy. We respond to our suffering and struggle in light of the character of God.

One reminder before we consider his teaching and encouragement: James is writing as the pastor of the church of Jerusalem. The original readers were in his congregation. He is writing them from a heart of love and compassion. Furthermore, he understands the compassion and teaching of His brother, Jesus.

Patience Requires Remembering Who God Is

James begins his exhortation simply: “Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord” (v. 7). Patience is not passive resignation. It is not “giving up” emotionally or mentally. Patience, biblically, is active trust – resting under God’s sovereign hand while continuing to obey Him faithfully.

However, trials often expose our flesh. When we feel weak or wounded, we naturally want relief, resolution, or answers. If we are not careful, we begin feeding our flesh – complaining, grasping for control, withdrawing from others, or imagining sinful “solutions.” James reminds us that such responses only complicate our lives and strengthen our frustration.

Again, do not miss what our good Pastor James teaches us here. James directs us back to the character of God. Why be patient? Because the Lord is full of compassion and mercy (v. 11). God does not forget His children in suffering. He does not lose sight of their tears, their needs, or their faithful endurance. He is compassionate – feeling for us in our pain. He is merciful – acting for us in our distress.

Patience is possible when we remember who God is.

Pastor James Uses Three Pictures to Encourage the Heart

To help us endure, James offers three illustrations: the farmer, the prophets, and Job. Each one helps us as we seek to wait well.

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