Sin is the root of our problems. The problems we see in our own lives, in the lives of those around us, and in the world as a whole are all a symptom of sin. Fights and quarrels are a result of wrong desires battling within people. In verse 2 James is using an extreme example, but it does happen. Or maybe he is harking back to what Jesus said about hating our brother being equivalent to murder. We hate someone when we see them as an obstacle to getting what we want. We quarrel and fight with each other because we want something that belongs to someone else.
Then James makes a very simple statement: we have not because we ask not. We need to ask God. We also need to ask with the right motives. The promises on prayer are all given in the context of a heart that is in line with God's heart. We need to align ourselves with God. Asking just so that we can fulfil our own pleasures is not supported.
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