James 1:2-12

New International Version

Trials and Temptations

²Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,^[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds,^(A) ³because you know that the testing of your faith^(B) produces perseverance.^(C) ⁴Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature^(D) and complete, not lacking anything. ⁵If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God,^(E) who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.^(F) ⁶But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt,^(G) because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. ⁷That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. ⁸Such a person is double-minded^(H) and unstable^(I) in all they do.

⁹Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position.^(J) ¹⁰But the rich should take pride in their humiliation—since they will pass away like a wild flower.^(K) ¹¹For the sun rises with scorching heat^(L) and withers^(M) the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed.^(N) In the same way, the rich will fade away even while they go about their business.

¹²Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial^(O) because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life^(P) that the Lord has promised to those who love him.^(Q)

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Footnotes

James 1:2 The Greek word for brothers and sisters (adelphoi) refers here to believers, both men and women, as part of God’s family; also in verses 16 and 19; and in 2:1, 5, 14; 3:10, 12; 4:11; 5:7, 9, 10, 12, 19.

John 15:1-11

New International Version

The Vine and the Branches

15 “I am^(A) the true vine,^(B) and my Father is the gardener. ²He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit,^(C) while every branch that does bear fruit^(D) he prunes^[a] so that it will be even more fruitful. ³You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you.^(E) ⁴Remain in me, as I also remain in you.^(F) No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.

⁵“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit;^(G) apart from me you can do nothing. ⁶If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.^(H) ⁷If you remain in me^(I) and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.^(J) ⁸This is to my Father’s glory,^(K) that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.^(L)

⁹“As the Father has loved me,^(M) so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. ¹⁰If you keep my commands,^(N) you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. ¹¹I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.^(O)