James 1:2-8

Testing of Your Faith

² _e Count it all joy, my brothers, ₁ when you meet trials _f of various kinds, ³ for you know that _g the testing of your faith _h produces steadfastness. ⁴ And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be _i perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

⁵ _j If any of you lacks wisdom, _k let him ask God, _l who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. ⁶ But _m let him ask in faith, _n with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like _o a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. ⁷ For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; ⁸ _p he is a double-minded man, _q unstable in all his ways.

1. Cross References
   Matthew 5:12
   Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
   
2. Cross References
   1 Peter 1:6
   In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials.
   
3. Cross References
   1 Peter 1:7
   So that the tested genuineness of your faith - more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire - may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
   
4. Cross References
   Romans 5:3
   More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance.
   James 5:11
   Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful.
   Hebrews 10:36
   For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised.
   2 Peter 1:6
   And knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness.
   
5. Cross References
   1 Thessalonians 5:23
   Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
   Matthew 5:48
   You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
   
6. Cross References
   1 Kings 3:9 - 12
   Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?
   Proverbs 2:3 - 6
   Yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding.
   
7. Cross References
   Matthew 7:7
   Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.
   
8. Cross References
   Proverbs 28:5
   Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the Lord understand it completely.
   
9. Cross References
   Mark 11:24
   Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.
   
10. Cross References
    Matthew 21:21
    And Jesus answered them, "Truly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what has been done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, 'Be taken up and thrown into the sea,' it will happen.
    
11. Cross References
    Isaiah 57:20
    But the wicked are like the tossing sea; for it cannot be quiet, and its waters toss up mire and dirt.
    Ephesians 4:14
    So that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes.
    
12. Cross References
    James 4:8
    Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
    
13. Cross References
    2 Peter 2:14
    They have eyes full of adultery, insatiable for sin. They entice unsteady souls. They have hearts trained in greed. Accursed children!
    2 Peter 3:16
    As he does in all his letters when he speaks in them of these matters. There are some things in them that are hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do the other Scriptures.