What does it mean to consider trials “pure joy?” Why does James tell his readers to celebrate their trials?
Re-read verses 3-4. How can suffering and perseverance lead us to become “mature and complete, not lacking in anything?” Share about a time when God made you more mature and whole-hearted through suffering.
What are the ways in which we try to avoid suffering instead of letting it make us more mature?
What do we learn about God’s character in verse 5? What difference does that make in our prayer life?
What is the difference between being “mature and complete,” (vs. 4) vs. being “like a wave of the sea…double minded and unstable…” (vs 6-8)? In what areas of life do we tend to be double-minded and tossed about by the wind? What are some practices that enable you (especially in this season) to be more single-minded and whole-hearted in your faith?