I really looked into this James 1:1 passage because this is a troubling Scripture when I am in the midst of my pity party and feeling justified in being there. I wanted to know what it meant by using the word joy. Surely it can't mean gladness.
This is the same Greek word that is translated as joy in other passages such as:
Hebrews 12:2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
1Peter 1:8 whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory,
1John 1:4 And these things we write to you that your joy may be full.
3John 1:4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.
In our passages the word translated as joy in the Greek is: chara; meaning- cheerfulness, i.e. calm delight:— gladness, X greatly, (X be exceeding) joy(-ful, -fully, -fulness, -ous). 1) joy, gladness
Knowing this now we ask again how is it that the Holy Spirit through James admonishes these scattered people to count it all joy?
Could it be He knows something we do not?
It causes me to marvel that the Holy Spirit knows the work of Christ so completely that it has made a way for me to count it all joy! Jesus finished the work He came to perform and He left nothing undone. That means His life in me prepares me for anything if I will look to Him.
About The Author
- Tim Atchley
- Knoxville, Tennessee, United States
- I currently serve as Senior Pastor of Harvest Church in Knoxville, Tn. I was sent out from Trinity Chapel of Knoxville in 1993 accompanied by my wife Sheila our four children Sarah, Hannah, Josiah & Isaac and a handful of bold, brave and committed believers determined to plant our first church. Pioneering is hard work but well worth the journey. That is why we desire to make disciples of Christ who will, like us, also embrace the call to plant churches.
