They were tempted to become bitter and rebel against God. James speaks directly to the point: “Count it all joy when you fall into various trials.” Why joy? The reason is simple: “Knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.” Patience is an essential characteristic of Christlikeness. Without patience, our spiritual growth will never be mature and complete. And the only way patience can be produced is through trials. So James encourages us when he writes, “Let patience have its perfect