Read: James 5:9-11

In James' encouragement to keep going, he points out one of behaviour that discourages - complaining and blaming each other in our discomfort.

James is talking about criticism against each other that is expressed in the form of a judgement. His concern firstly, is the discouraging impact criticism has on a community where life is already hard enought. But secondly, he is also point out that judging is not our job. Jesus alone will be the final judge of us, and he is standing at the door, present, watching. We'd be wise to leave him to it.

Then James recalls as examples prophets from Scripture who were given a job by God to do. And despite the abuse heaped on them from those who didn't want to hear it, they kept going. He also cites Job, as an example of someone who kept going in his relatinship with God even though his life was falling apart and he didn't understand why.

In the same way, God has given a mission to Christians. James encourages us to keep going without taking it out on each other when the going gets tough.

Write
Think about your faith story: how have you experienced positive community in your life? How have you experienced the negative impact of unconstructive criticism?

When the going gets rough for you, in what ways do you take out your frustrations on others? Who tend to bear the brunt of your venting?

Do you need other ways to manage stress and pain that are less straining on your relationships?

Who are do you rely for support when the going gets tough? What is the health of these relationships presently?

Pray
What is God saying to you today?

Talk to God about the condition of your supportive relationships. Tell him how you feel about the adequacy of the encouragement you feel from these relatinships.

Talk to God about the people you take your frustrations out on. Ask God how you can repair these relationships, and how to make different choices on how to express stress..

Pray for an experience of God's love, grace and mercy in your supportive relationships, as you find energy in each others' encouragements, and as you support each other to keep going.