James has told us that trials produce patience which in turn gives us all we need and makes us complete (James 1:1-2). But there is more. Those who remain faithful during temptations will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love him ( James 1:12). The Bible only mentions the crown of life in one other place, Revelation 2:10. There God promises those who suffer persecution, are thrown into prison and are tested will receive the crown of life.
The context of James comments relates this reward with being tempted to sin while John in the book of Revelation relates it to persecution for the sake of Christ. We tend to think of the latter as the more holy calling, worthy of such a reward. But God rewards all who remain faithful to him regardless of the source of the temptation to turn away.
