FAITH: How To Respond When Life Is Not Fair

Life is not fair! Life is often filled with injustice. James, the very first Book written in the New Testament, deals with the problem of injustice in life. James is written to believers experiencing great persecution and injustice. The context of James 5 is wealthy, powerful individuals using the court system to exploit believers. The Bible teaches us how to respond when life is not fair. James 5:7-12 details five biblical responses to the unfairness of life.

The first response is to be patient. Verse 7 says, “Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious produce of the soil, being patient about it, until it gets the early and late rains. You too be patient….” There must be an attitude of self restraint in the face of provocation. God is very patient with sinners. We must also be patient with people.

Jesus Christ is coming back. His return will produce perfect justice. The return of Jesus is an anchor for our souls in the midst of an unfair world. Reaping a harvest requires time and patience. In Israel farmers sometimes planted in October and didn’t see any harvest until the next summer. We need to be patient also!

The second response is to be strong. Verse 8 reads, “…strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near.” Luke 9:51 says, “He (Jesus) was determined to go to Jerusalem.” That word determined is the same word later translated as strengthen. Jesus set His face like a flint and went to Jerusalem. Jesus knew the pressure. He knew His enemies were growing in number and strength. He knew that ahead lay torture, beatings, mocking, scourging, sweat, tears, an agonizing death and even the wrath of God the Father. Jesus was very strong.

These first century believers needed an unwavering grip on faith and obedience even in the midst of trials and persecution and tough times. Life has never been easy. When a spouse leaves for no reason- that is unfair. When a job ends for no apparent reason- the injustice is great. When a son or daughter rebels- life is hard. We must face the situation with resolve and determination.

The third response is to be careful. Verse 9 commands, “Do not complain, brethren, against one another, so that you yourselves may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door.” The word complain means “to groan” or “to sigh.” It is an inner feeling of criticism. We must not play the blame game. When we are in the pressure cooker we are prone to lash out at those nearby. When our lives are filled with pain and difficulty we tend to lash out at the people we love most.

James commands us to be gracious because God’s is impartial. “…so that you yourselves may not be judged.” It’s not right for me to lash out at my closest family members and friends in tough times. Also, God’s judgment is imminent. “…behold, the Judge is standing right at the door.” God is holy. He judges sin. The wheels of God’s judgment turn very slowly but they grind exceedingly fine.

The fourth response is to be encouraged. Verses 10 and 11 offer encouragement through the example of others. “As an example, brethren, of suffering and patience, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. We count those blessed who endured. You have heard of the endurance of Job and have seen the outcome of the Lord’s dealings; that the Lord is full of compassion and is merciful.”

The prophets suffered. Abel was murdered by his own brother. Moses was rejected by his people. Isaiah was sawn in half. Jeremiah was left to die in the mud. James says, “We count those blessed who endured.” They enjoy the smile of God today.

Job lost everything. He lost his business. He lost his wealth. He lost his children. He lost his health. At the end of his life Job gained amazing new wealth. He had children in heaven and on earth. Bet of all, he had a new perspective on God.

The fifth response is to beware. In verse 12, “But above all, my brethren, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath; but your yes is to be yes, and your no, no, so that you may not fall into judgment.” When we find ourselves in tough situations our natural response is to bargain with

God. Don’t try to manipulate God. Instead, let God hone and refine your character through the difficult circumstances.

Jesus Christ is coming back. He is standing at the doors, ready and willing to throw them open and make all things right. We can trust Him! We can persevere even in the midst of difficulties.

Pastor Ethan Hansen

Faith Bible Fellowship

Big Lake, AK