James 1:3

Verse 3. Trying of your faith worketh patience.

It may be an unpleasant thought to contemplate all that is comprehended in the expression "trying of your faith." The idea is that your faith may be put to the test once and again many times and, while in this life, is to be expected. Faith that stands the test successfully not only worketh (produces as a result), but fosters and adds to that grace called patience, which Peter assures us is essential to an entrance into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. (2 Peter 1:6) Knowig that the trial of faith worketh patience is the reason the apostle exhorts in the second verse to count it all job Paul also exhorts to "patience in tribulation" (Romans 12:5), and he says further, "We glory in tribulation also," and gives the reason: "Knowing that tribulation worketh patience, and patience experience, and experience hope, and hope maketh not ashamed" (Romans 5:3-5). The hardships and adversities of life, persecutions, trials and afflictions are to fall upon us in our earthly existence, not only as tests of our faith, but also for our good.