1:5 Care for Those Who Serve Believers should take special care of those in their midst who serve, especially when their devoted service takes them away from their homes and families. It’s crucial to remember that we are all partners in the gospel, and each of us has a different role to play. Supporting those who serve is itself a form of service to God. And remember to pray for the multitude of caregivers who daily support families caring for loved ones with disabilities, cancer, injuries, and end-of-life conditions.
1:9-11 The Pain of Rejection Sometimes our most painful suffering comes in the form of rejection or mistreatment from those who are closest to us—friends, family, coworkers, or even fellow believers. But we must not allow such heartaches to derail our faith in God. Instead, we should continue to “do good to everyone” (Gal 6:10)—including those who are hurting us—thereby proving that we are children of God.
1:9 Seeking Positions of Leadership While all believers should be encouraged to develop their God-given gifts to the fullest, this pursuit must always be done in a spirit of humility. Impatiently grasping the reins of power in a situation can cause serious divisions within the body of Christ. As with all things related to life in the body of Christ, the key is to walk humbly before the Lord, trusting that he will be faithful to lift you up—in his time (Jas 4:10).