1. Have you ever planted a garden and waited for it to grow? What is the temptation as the harvest is close?

2. Read James 5:7-9. What message is this passage trying to convey with regard to our behavior as Christians.

3. Read Mathew 25:45-51. What does this passage illuminate about the need for patience.

-What was the difference between the two servants in this story? How does that relate to our lives waiting for Christ?

4. Read 2 Corinthians 16-18. What does this tell us about the benefits of remaining patient for the Lord’s will to be done in our lives?

5. Read James 5:10-13. Note vs. 11. If you haven’t read Job before, do so to see an example of a godly man who remained faithful and patient, without sinning, through very trying circumstances (disease, family wiped out, wealth taken etc.) Job 2:8-10 is a succinct summary of Job’s response. Why is Job mentioned in James?

-when you see others who are going through hard or harder times than yourself, how does that make you feel about your own problems?

6. Read James 5:12. What does James point out as the problem with swearing (as in oaths like, “I swear to God that I’ll….”)

-why do you think this is bad?

7. What things do you find difficult to endure in your life right now? Is there a way to deal with the problem in a godly way? If not, make up your mind to endure the hardship in the way that faithful Christians through time have faced trials. Relying upon God and believing that He will give you grace to get by. If you feel comfortable, ask someone to pray for you in this area.