James 3:17-18

Thanks for sharing!

But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness.”

Remember from James 1:5-6 that God gives away wisdom like its free candy. No hoops, no strings attached. Wisdom flowing from heaven through the Holy Spirit and through the words of Scripture. So exactly how do we know when we encounter real wisdom from God versus earthly philosophies that sound nice in the moment?

These verses give us some very specific descriptors: pure, peace loving, gentle, yielding to others, fully of mercy and good deeds, doesn’t choose favorites, sincere, and bringing a harvest of righteousness. That is some pretty supernatural stuff. Sadly, this list is not what most people would like if they were to describe “Christians” they know.

Jesus’ way is a way of pure and sincere wisdom, that brings peace and puts the needs of others first. His way is gentle and merciful. If you are a follower of Jesus, when you plant seeds of peace you get a whole crop of righteousness in your life. Jesus’ way is better than any human or earthly kind of thinking. Be your free self today by living a life that makes use of God’s divine wisdom. It will always end up better than any other way you can think of.