James 1:12-18
Chapter 1
12
The Test
Blessed are those who patiently endure trials because afterward, they will receive the crown of life, which the Lord promised to those who love him.13
No one should say, “This temptation comes from God,” when tempted. God is never tempted, and he can never tempt anyone.
14
Instead, each of us is tempted and drawn in by our own evil desire.
15
Once this desire is conceived, it gives birth to sin, and sin, when fully grown, leads to death.
16
Don’t be deceived, my beloved.
17
Every generous act of giving comes from above, from the Father of Lights, in whom there is no change or shadow of a change.
18
By his own will, he gave us life through the word of truth, so that we might become a kind of first fruits of his creatures.
Commentaries
The Test.
Verse 12 is a beatitude that unites love and life. Enduring trials demonstrate love for God, and God rewards this with “the crown of life” (cf. Rev 2:10). Verses 13-18 present a revolutionary theological reflection, both then and now: God does not tempt anyone or do evil. From verse 18 onward, the power of God’s Word—the Word of truth and creation—comes into play. If we Christians are the fruit of a Word of life and truth, the world should be sown with seeds of life and truth, not greed and ambition.