As James drew near the end of writing his epistle, he exhorted his readers to be patient. Several of them were evidently experiencing hardship at the hands of their employers, being defrauded of their wages due them (5:1-6). Others were facing other forms of extreme persecution because of their faith. James urged them on. “Therefore be patient, brethren,” he said, “until the coming of the Lord” (5:7). He then exhorted them to “take the prophets, who spoke in the name of the Lord, as an example of suffering and patience” and specifically reminded them of Job’s patience and his eventual outcome (5:10-11). These brethren needed to persevere, to patiently endure.

We find it interesting, however, that in the middle of this section encouraging patience, James wrote this admonition: “Do not grumble against one another, brethren, lest you be condemned. Behold, the Judge is standing at the door!” (5:9) Apparently the brethren to whom James wrote needed patience with one another.

When the wicked in this world are besetting us with difficulties -- perhaps even persecuting us -- we desperately need the support of our brethren. Too often, however, instead of turning TO our brothers and sisters, we turn AGAINST one another. We know not why this is, and such makes no sense whatsoever -- but it is a fact nonetheless in many a church. Too frequently brethren forget who their real enemy is (Satan and his ministers) and take out their disappointments and frustrations on their spiritual family. When they do this they err and (worse yet) compound and exacerbate their problems.

We are reminded of Paul’s admonition for Euodia and Syntyche to “be of the same mind in the Lord” (Philippians 4:2) -- and this after the apostle had earlier commanded, “Do all things without murmuring and disputing” (2:14).

“But Mike, if you only knew what so-and-so has done-----” We wonder if our Lord Jesus wouldn’t groan and ask, “How long shall I bear with you?” (Matthew 17:17). Will He really continue to bear with our impatience and lack of forbearance with our (and His) brethren?

Beloved, we need our brothers and sisters in Christ. The Lord didn’t give us the local church so that at the least provocation we’d have a group we could gripe at, argue with, and grumble about. Judging by the actions of some disciples, however, one would think that this is the thing to do. James calls such thinking (or wisdom), “earthly, sensual, demonic” (3:15).

The next time the world turns on you, don’t forget the admonition: “Do not grumble against one another, brethren…“ Take a good, long look into the eyes of your brother and sister -- they’re not the enemy, they’re your fellow-soldiers! They’re here to, arm-in-arm, help you to heaven. (Read now James 5:13-20.)