James 5. Wrapping up his guidance to the early church, James reminds them that the coming of the Lord is at hand (5:8) and that the Lord is compassionate and merciful (5:11). Therefore, they are to be patient, to steady their hearts, and not to grumble in times of suffering (5:7-10). In conclusion, the church community is called to support and encourage each other through a challenging season in four distinct ways:

1. Through Perseverance. Steadfastness and patience will be essential for the community, with reference to the sufferings of Job (5:11) and the waiting of a farmer for a new season to arrive (5:7).
   
2. Through Praise. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise. (5:13) Every community needs people who express joy. In times of suffering, it’s easy to see only black and brown in the world, and we need others who see the vibrant oranges and pinks in every sunrise and sunset and want to tell us all about it. Joy flows through some people so easily, and we desperately need their perspective and singing.
   
3. Through Prayer. Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. (5:13) Our response to struggles is not grumbling or fighting with others but submitting ourselves to God’s plan and praying for wisdom and strength. Is anyone sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. (5:14-15). The community has several very important roles to play regarding prayer. One is to pray collectively for those who are sick or struggling. There is a particular spiritual strength in corporate prayer, and in prayers led by those in designated leadership positions. Call for help, that’s what your community is there for. Secondly, community prayer is important for the confession of sin and forgiveness. Confess your sins one to another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. (5:16) We do not like to admit to our sins out loud, with words, to someone else. That makes sin real. It also makes us accountable for our sins. But, confessing our sins to someone else also breaks the power of sin and silence and sets us on the road to healing. If you are still hiding it, you are not on the road to healing.
   
4. Through Rescuing the Prodigal. If anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back… [he] will save his soul and cover over a multitude of sins (5:19-20). It’s a community effort to reach out to the wandering prodigal and shepherd him back to a place of truth, healing, and safety. This is difficult and does not happen overnight. It requires perseverance and prayer, and the belief that God is merciful and powerful enough to set things right again. Of course, the prodigal must be willing to grab ahold of the lifeline thrown to him; but if he does, then it should be a community effort to haul him back into the boat.
   
   What is God calling you to do in your community of faith? Together we thrive.