To listen well is a life skill. It is also a skill to develop with God. James teaches us how to hear God well. It is a lesson of the heart, not just our ears.

God only gives what is good. We may not easily recognize goodnss in each gift but we live with this confidence – the goodness of God does not change. We experience grace every day.

When James speaks of joy, it has both a present and future perspective. That means we can smile at what God is now doing and what He has in store for us all.