James gives us some words that I believe are helpful for every relationship. Let your “yes” be “yes” and your “no” be “no.” Mean what you say and say what you mean. Every relationship, from time to time, will have issues with communication. We spend some time today talking through some helpful tools with communication, and then James reminds us once again about the importance of patience to our faith and spiritual growth.

Shameless plug: here’s a link to Method(ist) to the Madness, our

Join us for our daily reflections with Andy. In 10 short minutes, he’ll dig a little deeper into Scripture and help you better understand God’s Word.

If you’d like to receive this daily reflection on your phone, text @39110 to 81010 to sign up.

Click on the image above or this link to watch today’s video.

You can read today’s passage here.

You can podcast this reflection here. You can subscribe through Spotify or Apple Podcasts as well.

Or, if you’d like to read the transcript of the video, keep reading!

As we near the end of our walk through the book of James, we find ourselves in a passage that’s full of wisdom for how we live, speak, and endure. James 5:7–12 reminds us to slow down, stay grounded, and remember who we’re waiting on.

One line in this passage always sticks with me: “Let your ‘Yes’ be yes and your ‘No’ be no.” On the surface, it seems simple. But there’s deep wisdom there—especially when it comes to relationships.

When I do premarital counseling or talk with couples navigating conflict, we always come back to this truth: clarity is kindness. In moments of tension, it’s easy to talk around issues or expect others to read between the lines. But more often than not, we just miss each other. I may say one thing, and you hear something totally different. You say something with good intentions, but I interpret it through my own filter of past experience, pain, or stress.

That’s why James’ advice is so important. Speak plainly. Say what you mean. Mean what you say. It’s one of the healthiest things we can do for our relationships—marriage, friendship, family, or community.

Here’s a simple trick I use when communication breaks down:
💬 “What I heard you say was…”
That question gives space for clarity. Most of the time, the other person says, “Oh no, that’s not what I meant at all.”Misunderstanding cleared. Conflict avoided.

Communication isn’t just about words—it’s about trust. And when we use clear, sincere words, we’re building that trust every day.

This passage from James isn’t just about communication—it’s also about perspective and endurance. “Be patient,” James says. Over and over again. He uses the farmer as an image. The farmer can’t rush the rain. He just plants, waits, and trusts. The same is true for us in our spiritual lives.

James brings up Job, a man who endured unthinkable hardship. He reminds us of the prophets, who suffered for the truth they proclaimed. None of them would’ve chosen their trials—but God used their suffering to shape them, to deepen their faith, and to bless others.

Let’s be honest:

• Wouldn’t it be great if patience didn’t require waiting?
• If strength didn’t come from suffering?
• If virtue didn’t need testing?

But that’s not how it works. James tells us at the very beginning of the letter: “Count it all joy when you face trials of many kinds, because the testing of your faith produces endurance.”

It’s in the testing that we grow. It’s in the waiting that we learn to trust. And it’s in the enduring that we are shaped into people who reflect God’s heart.

While we wait for God to move—or wait for peace to come, or clarity to arrive—what do we do?

James gives us clear direction:

• Be patient.
• Strengthen your heart.
• Don’t grumble.
• Endure.
• Let your yes be yes, and your no be no.

These are small things that make a big difference. They keep us grounded in love, rooted in hope, and open to God’s refining work.

If you’re in a tough season, don’t give up. If you’re struggling in your relationships, keep communicating. If you’re waiting on God, know that He hasn’t forgotten you. He is “compassionate and merciful,” as James reminds us.

Even when life feels uncertain, you are not alone. And something beautiful is being formed in you—even now.