**Daily Devotional** **December 27** *12 But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation. 13 Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms. - James 5:12-13 (KJV)* James has been teaching about the persecution of believers by the ungodly world, so he is probably saying not to swear about your innocence in any manner. God will avenge His people (Romans 12:19), so we are not to strike out at those that persecute us, but just give it to God, and He will take care of it much better then we ever could. It is always better to just speak the truth, and not do a lot of swearing to the facts, just tell the truth. When one tries to defend himself with a lot of words, it is easy to claim things that are not true, or exaggerate them, and that will lead you into condemnation, of men, not of God, as we are not under God’s condemnation (Romans 8:1). If you are afflicted by the ungodly persecuting you, then you should pray for them (Matthew 5:44) to find God’s love, so they will not be ungodly. If you will get into the presence of the Lord by praying about your situation, you will be overcome by the fullness of joy, as being in His presence will cause it to happen (Psalms 16:11). James is telling us if you are merry, you need to sing songs about the Lord, and make your heart merry, as it will cure whatever problem you have, just like taking medicine (Proverbs 17:22). If we would all just show God’s love to those that hate us, and persecute us, then is when our light will shine for the Lord (Matthew 5:16), and they will see that we belong to Him (John 13:35). If you are full of God, who is love (1 John 4:16), then you can love your enemies with His love. Thank you Lord for the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). Devotional by Pastor Joe W. Green, www.infinite-faith.com