James 3:17
But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.
When I pray before making a big decision, or while wrestling with a difficult situation, the direction I receive from God will be just as James describes in this verse. The closer to God, the more Christ-like my decisions and my actions will be. Prayer will bring me closer to God and so improve my ability to discern what is right.
Lord God, you have given me a way to speak to you, and when I do, you are always there to help. Help me to make good decisions and to live my life as you would have me live it; fair and impartial and considerate to others. Amen
Becky, transforming
Tuesday, July 4th, 2023
James 3:17
But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.
If the Lord Jesus physically stood here this morning and said, I have the ultimate steps to assist you in making every important decision, would I want to hear what the Lord had to say. Wisdom from above is not harsh it is pure. God’s wisdom does not rush to justice, but God’s wisdom is seen in giving mercy. If grace is giving a person a blessing they don’t deserve, mercy is withholding a punishment a person does deserve. We deserve the silent treatment, but get a gracious embrace. We dese…
James 3:17
So there you have it! It is God to whom we should turn in all situations. His wisdom is what we need when we are struggling with something. James assures us that this wisdom will lead us in the right direction. His wisdom is fair, merciful, and peaceloving.
Prayer: gracious God, thank you for this reminder to always turn to you for direction. Amen
James 3:17 Of all the qualities of wisdom listed by James, impartial is perhaps the most elusive and difficult to live out. Our natural inclination is to favor ourselves, our, kin, our tribe. The curmudgeon who treats everyone equally badly seems to be better at impartiality, but perhaps this vile behavior is just what we need to remind us that James framed Godly impartiality with peace, love, consideration, submission, mercy, good fruit and sincerity. For me this is all but impossible without the source of Godly impartiality, the Holy Spirit.
Prayer - Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me. Melt me, mold me, fill me, use me. Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me. Amen
TAA