While James called the recipients of his letter his “brothers and sisters”, there certainly was a sense in which he felt a parental type of responsibility for their future. Clearly, he wanted them to keep in mind all that Jesus had done for them and the promises which were theirs to claim as children of God. At the same time he felt obligated to give them some very practical advice. His affectionate admonitions would help them as their wealth increased, as they waited for Jesus’ return, and as they encountered needs within their own fellowship of believers. Certainly his reminder to pray, to pray about everything, might have been the most important concluding message he could give to them.
If James were writing to you and to me today, how different or how similar do you think his concerns might be? What would you include in your letter if you were writing to your church or to a group of believers with whom you are friends?