Wisdom from Above Grounded in Christ
Today’s Bible Verse:
James 3:17 ESV
But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.
Today is our final day looking at my favorite verses from Saint James’ letter. The picture accompanying this writing is of an owl.
In our daily lives, we encounter two kinds of wisdom: the wisdom of the world and the wisdom from above. In his letter, Saint James warns us against the former, characterized by envy, selfish ambition, and disorder. Instead, he urges us to seek the wisdom that comes from God.
This divine wisdom is described as pure. It is untainted by the world's desires and motivations, free from hypocrisy and deceit. It flows from a heart cleansed by God's grace and focused on His will.
This wisdom is also peaceable. It seeks harmony and reconciliation, not conflict and division. It promotes understanding and cooperation, even amid disagreements. It is the opposite of worldly wisdom, which thrives on strife and discord.
Furthermore, it is gentle and open to reason. It is not harsh or judgmental but patient and compassionate. It is willing to listen and learn, consider different perspectives, and humbly seek the truth.
This wisdom is full of mercy and good fruits. It characterizes itself by acts of kindness, compassion, and generosity. It seeks to bless others and to make a positive impact on the world. It is the fruit of a life lived under God's will.
Finally, it is impartial and sincere. It does not show favoritism or prejudice but treats everyone fairly and respectfully. It is genuine and authentic, not motivated by hidden agendas or selfish motives.
Lutherans believe this wisdom is a gift from God, received through faith in Jesus Christ. We cannot achieve it on our own, but it is freely given to all who seek it. By the power of the Holy Spirit, we can grow in this wisdom, allowing it to shape our thoughts, words, and actions.
Prayers
Remember:
The people of the southeast who are dealing with the destruction caused by Hurricane Helene.
All people dealing with cancer
Those who reject Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
A Prayer for Today:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of wisdom from above. Help me reject the world's wisdom and seek your guidance. Fill Your people with the Holy Spirit so we may grow in purity, peaceableness, gentleness, mercy, and sincerity. May our lives bear witness to the transforming power of your wisdom. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Luther’s Morning Prayer:
I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.
Apostles’ Creed:
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
The photo above is licensed through Unsplash+