James 5 describes the benefits of patience, and uses the example of Job’s steadfastness to demonstrate the point. Just like a farmer has to wait for his crop to grow, relying on God for rain at the appropriate time, so we have to wait for our salvation, relying on God to provide for our needs. While we are patiently waiting, James tells us not to grumble against each other. Just as Job refused to curse God for the circumstances he endured, so we need to endure suffering, knowing that God is “compassionate and merciful”.
James also describes the benefits of prayer, using the example of Elijah. The prayers that James mention are all focused on others, the sick, the suffering, and the sins of others. James concludes with the wonderful reminder that “whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.”
While we are patiently waiting for the Lord’s return, our focus should be on helping each other remain faithful, and not giving up on people when they are lost.