First ReadingJames 1:12-18
From the Letter of James
12Blessed is a person who endures temptation,for when he has been approved,he will receive the crown of lifewhich the Lord promised to those who love him.
13Let no man say when he is tempted,“I am tempted by God,”for God can’t be tempted by evil,and he himself tempts no one.14But each one is temptedwhen he is drawn away by his own lust and enticed.15Then the lust, when it has conceived, bears sin.The sin, when it is full grown, produces death.16Don’t be deceived, my beloved brothers.17Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above,coming down from the Father of lights,with whom can be no variation nor turning shadow.18Of his own will he gave birth to us by the word of truth,that we should be a kind of first fruits of his creatures.