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Anointed Profit for September 2016
What Does Wisdom from Above Look Like - Part 2
Here, James further writes
about gentleness, yielding, mercy, and more.
Gentleness – In the ancient world, this word was used of kings who wore their dignity, self control, power, and appropriate leniency toward their subjects.
Today, in the middle of mutual disappointments and hurts, this is the kind of wisdom that enables citizens of King Jesus to represent His authority with a joyful spirit of kindness. A listening ear and a gentle voice can lower the temperature of a difficult moment. Such strong and purposeful gentleness becomes the basis for wisdom that is willing to yield.
Willing to yield – Because it takes two to tangle, one person who is willing to give up the urge to get even can make a difference. Instead of repaying wrong for wrong, a willingness to return good for evil is an expression of strength rather than weakness. Surrendering to God, instead of merely focusing on the one who has hurt us, enables us to work patiently for an outcome that is full of mercy.
Full of mercy – when our heart is yielded to the wisdom of Christ, we see the value of planting seeds of undeserved kindness while waiting for the fruit of peace.
With the insight that comes from above (James 3:15-17) we are willing to give others the space they need to think for themselves. In the grace of patience, we give them time to experience the growing influence of Christ in their own lives. Rather than responding to others in a near-sighted and superficial way, we show a wisdom that is without partiality.
Without partiality – Earlier in his letter, James wrote about followers of Christ who were inclined to treat people of wealth and influence better than the poor and needy (James 2:1-10). Now he shows that responding to others without partiality is a way of showing the wisdom and heart of God. Rising above the influence of wealth, social standing, or appearance enables us to live with a wisdom that is without hypocrisy.
Without hypocrisy – this seventh identifying mark of wisdom caps the rest. James uses it to celebrate the integrity of the enlightenment of God wants to give us. He knows that in our better moment’s none of us can talk the language of faith while practicing the goals and politics of envy and ambition.
Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all (I Timothy 4:15).
Marinating in His Love - George Dillon
Cornerstone Ministries
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