James 3:17-18 — Pure Wisdom Thoughts

 READ THIS: James 3:17-18

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.
 
WHAT’S THIS MEAN, ANYWAY?

So we just spoke about earthly wisdom (based on bitterness, envy, and selfish ambition), and now we get to talk more on wisdom that comes from God! 

What James is saying above is that when we act with God's wisdom, our actions are pure--there aren't ulterior motives or extra reasons for doing something apart from it being the right thing to do. A big part of having pure actions is through being a peacemaker. God's wisdom tells us that when we make a decision, we think about God, then we think about others, and then we think about ourselves. To be someone who makes peace happen around us, we need to be able to see what God wants out of a situation and what would be helpful for others. When we can't see those two things, then we end up destroying peace because we start to turn to earthly wisdom, wanting what's best for us, creating division between us, God, and others. Verse 18 says peacemakers get to see righteousness. We get rightness! When we act with earthly wisdom, it doesn't feel right, because we're not putting God and others in the right place!

THINK ABOUT IT:

1. Do you understand earthly wisdom or Godly wisdom better? Why?
 
2. Where in your life do you do a good job of being a peacemaker? Why do you think you're a better peacemaker in that situation than in others?

 
TRY THIS:

See if you remember the fruits of the Spirit!! Ready, go! 

(go to Galatians 5:22-23 for help)

Comments

  1. AnonymousFebruary 2, 2023 at 6:50 AM

    Love, joy, peace, goodness, kindness, patience, gentleness, faithfulness and self control!!! Easy to write them down, but we need God to DO them!!!

    ReplyDelete

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