Do you know anyone with wild emotional swings depending on the circumstances of life? Do you also know people who are very constant, stable in their emotions? These days we’re watching and listening as James the apostle is writing his letter of encouragement and exhortation to the first century Jewish Jesus followers scattered all across the Roman Empire. These dear people lived during a very difficult time of persecution and thus emotions were always in flux and sometimes explosive.
Come on, let’s join a few others who’ve gathered in James’ little house in Jerusalem as he writes. He’s in his fourth chapter as he picks up his stylus: “Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Come near to God and He will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” (James 4:7,8)