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SearchTo James – Practice Patience, Tolerance and Compassion
Jesus then stepped over to James Zebedee, who stood in silence as the Master addressed him,
saying: "James, when you and your younger brother once came to me seeking preferment in the
honors of the kingdom, and I told you such honors were for the Father to bestow, I asked if you
were able to drink my cup, and both of you answered that you were. Even if you were not then
able, and if you are not now able, you will soon be prepared for such a service by the experience
you are about to pass through. By such behavior you angered your brethren at that time. If they
have not already fully forgiven you, they will when they see you drink my cup. Whether your
ministry be long or short, possess your soul in patience. When the new teacher comes, let him
teach you the poise of compassion and that sympathetic tolerance which is born of sublime
confidence in me and of perfect submission to the Father's will. Dedicate your life to the
demonstration of that combined human affection and divine dignity of the God-knowing and
Son-believing disciple. And all who thus live will reveal the gospel even in the manner of their
death. You and your brother John will go different ways, and one of you may sit down with me
in the eternal kingdom long before the other. It would help you much if you would learn that true
wisdom embraces discretion as well as courage. You should learn sagacity to go along with your
aggressiveness. There will come those supreme moments wherein my disciples will not hesitate
to lay down their lives for this gospel, but in all ordinary circumstances it would be far better to
placate the wrath of unbelievers that you might live and continue to preach the glad tidings. As
far as lies in your power, live long on the earth that your life of many years may be fruitful in
souls won for the heavenly kingdom."