James_3

Scripture:

James 3:13,17-18¹³ Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom… 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. ¹⁸ Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.

Observation:

James 3 speaks to the power of the tongue, the challenge in taming it and how we are called to show a living faith by watching what we say and using wisdom…but there are two wisdoms.

Understanding:

The timing is such that we are regularly seeing examples of the two types of wisdom play out – often times on news headlines.  So, based on the scripture, what should our response be in our daily interactions with others?Listen to understand.Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; - James 1:19Respond with love.Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. – Romans 12:10Follow government mandated rules.Let every person be subject to the governing authorities; for there is no authority except from God, and those authorities that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists authority resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment." - Romans 13:1-2Put others first.Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. - Philippians 2:4

Life Application:

God is the way maker; but we are called to be peacemakers. 

 

Remember that in ALL things, we are representatives of the God we serve and love.  As such, we should be an extension of his love to those we know and encounter.  When we respond first with love, the rest often follows. 

And where constructive conversations cannot occur, do good (with your actions) anyway. For so is the will of God, that with well doing, you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men. -1 Peter 2:15 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. – Galatians 6:9Go love on somebody today! <3 Rei