Followers of Jesus must practice humility. We’ve seen how this includes not condemning others (4:11-12) and not making arrogant plans (4:13-17). Now in James 5, the language becomes more severe as the principle is applied in relation to one’s treatment of the poor. Sounding like an Old Testament prophet, James denounces injustice and warns that God will judge the proud, rich landowners who have defrauded their workers. Money itself is not evil, but hoarded wealth gained through oppression and used for self-indulgence will serve as evidence against the wicked on the Day of Judgment. In God’s eyes, the failure to pay fair wages was causing righteous people to starve and displaying a hardness of heart that was equivalent to “murder” (v 1-6). Rather than fighting back, the oppressed believer is called to patiently endure, trusting in the righteous Judge, whose coming is near. In fact, this promise shapes the daily conduct of every true Christian. We wait for Him as a farmer waits for the harvest. And the hope of His return enables us to be patient in every adversity, gracious in every relationship, and careful in every word we speak. While condemnation awaits the impenitent, those trusting in Christ need not fear that day, for “the Lord is compassionate and merciful” (v 7-12). Assured by this truth, believers live in constant dependence on the Lord, praising Him for every blessing and petitioning Him in every sorrow. Those who are seriously ill are encouraged to call upon their church’s elders to come and pray for them. The anointing with oil may symbolize the work of God’s Spirit, but oil was also regarded as a healing balm, suggesting that we should seek both medical and spiritual care when we are sick. Self-examination and confession of sin should not be overlooked in the process, for in certain cases, the illness may be related to personal sin. We expect God to act when we pray, knowing that even a great prayer warrior like Elijah was merely human. But we should not presume to know the Lord’s will or timing. The prayer of faith will always result in healing—sometimes in this life, and eventually at His return, when all believers are raised up and given new bodies (v 13-18). James concludes his letter with a pastoral emphasis, calling the flock to care for straying sheep, restoring “anyone” who “wanders from the truth.” Some drift from the truth because they’ve drifted from the church. Others drift from the church because they’ve drifted from the truth. But “whoever” cares for their souls by bringing them back into fellowship will participate in the work of Christ, who shed His blood to atone for the sins of His people (v 19-20). For further meditation: