James 1:4 (NIV) Perseverance must finish its 
work so that you may be mature and complete, not 
lacking anything. 

James 1:4 (NLT) So let it grow, for when 
your endurance is fully developed, you will be 
strong in character and ready for anything. 

INTRODUCTION

We can't really know the depth of our 
character until we see how we react under pressure. It 
is easy to be kind to others when everything is 
going well, but can we still be kind when others 
are treating us unfairly? God wants to make us 
mature and complete, not to keep us from all pain. 
Instead of complaining about our struggles, we 
should see them as opportunities for growth. Thank 
God for promising to be with you in rough times. 
Ask him to help you solve your problems or to 
give you the strength to endure them. Then be 
patient. God will not leave you alone with your 
problems; he will stay close and help you grow. [Life 
Application SB] 

COMMENTARY PEARL

   We cannot pretend to be something we are 
not; a Christlike character cannot be faked. If 
Christ is not real to us or if we haven't learned 
to walk with Him and submit our lives to Him 
every day, then our spiritual impact will be far 
less than it might have been. People are very 
sensitive to hypocrisy; if they sense it in us, they 
will dismiss our pretenses and pay no attention 
to our advice. On the other hand, if they can 
sense our faith is sincere and our love is 
authentic, then they will respect us and take us 
seriously (even when they know we are not perfect). 
   This is why it is important to begin 
building our lives on the solid foundation of Jesus 
Christ now, instead of waiting until it is too late 
and the problems of old age overwhelm us. Every 
gardener knows that mature fruit does not appear 
overnight. It takes time to grow - and so does the 
fruit of the Spirit in our lives. Start tending 
your garden today, so you may be "mature and 
complete." 
   In what place in your life do you most 
need spiritual growth? [Peace for Each Day by 
Billy Graham] 

LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY

James 1:2-4 - Let Trials Make You More Like 
Jesus. 

http://www.abible.com/devotions/2021/20210504-0932.html 

Galatians 5:22, 23 - The Fruit of the Spirit.

http://www.abible.com/devotions/2022/20220628-0910.html 

LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT

https://abible.com/links/