I heard a father mocking his daughter a few days ago. I wanted to teach the guy a lesson, but I remained silent. I still wonder if I did the right thing or if I should have spoken up. Mocking hurts. It is devastating when it comes from family. 

Have you ever witnessed mocking or ridicule in your family? Or in your church family? Have you witnessed cruelty, backstabbing, or abuse in your family or church? Or among your friends? It hurts so much worse when it comes from someone you know and love.

Think about this: Jesus knew those who stood around the cross mocking Him. He knew the name of those who taunted Him and urged Him to call on angels for help. They may have once been followers or disciples. They may have been shopkeepers with whom he dealt. They may have seen each other in the synagogue or temple. As God, He knew them intimately. Those who cried for His death were Jews, so, in a sense, they were a part of His family, brothers and sisters in God. 

As Christians, we will endure – or have endured – mocking for His sake. I have. I do, even from others in body of Christ. When you do, consider yourself blessed. But do so with patience and love. Such an attitude finds favor with God. 

Fear Not the mocking of others, even our brothers and sisters in Christ, for God will bless us if we lovingly and patiently endure. 

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The problem is, while I was inspired by many of these preachers, they got this passage completely wrong. The epistle of James tells us to be joyful when we are faced with trials, knowing trials build patience. The reason the preachers of my childhood advised us not to pray for patience was because they feared their parishoners would fall away if faced with trials. 

The truth is quite the contrary. Take a look at Exodus 20:20 and you will succinctly learn what James is talking about. God tests us because He is preparing us. He is building our faith, ridding us of our sin, preparing us for eternity. He loves us, and cannot bear to see us bound by sin. 

Do not be afraid of God’s tests and trials. Don’t try to avoid them. Rather, when they come, realize that God is perfecting your faith. Be thankful, for your Father is teaching you. Trials move us away from sin and darkness and into His light. They move us from obedience based on fear to obedience based on love and commitment. 

Fear Not, for God is building your faith. 

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