Wisdom From Above

But the wisdom from above is first pure [morally and spiritually undefiled], then peace-loving [courteous, considerate], gentle, reasonable [and willing to listen], full of compassion and good fruits. It is unwavering, without [self-righteous] hypocrisy [and self-serving guile]. James 3:17 Amplified Bible

“Your smile is your logo, your personality is your business card, how others feel after having an experience with you becomes your trademark.” Maya Angelou

If I think I have wisdom, like humility, I probably don’t. Wisdom is pure. Ouch! I don’t know any pure people except one: Jesus.

There’s very little wisdom in our world today. Wisdom always has a big dose of humility along with purity. Wisdom: It’s the standard and the best I can hope for is progress with grace.

Wisdom is Pure, Peace-loving, Gentle, Reasonable, Full of Compassion, and Good fruits.

Maybe good fruits are where we focus our efforts.

Here are some signposts:

Shame has lessened because you follow Jesus and not others’ ideas of who you are. There is no shame in Christ, even when we fail miserably.

Anger’s energy has been channeled into purposeful living and healing, yourself and others. Boundaries have been set.

Bitterness is absent most of the time. Because we have dropped judgments and expectations of others and turn to the Ultimate Healer. If help is required, we seek it.

Discomfort has become a flashing light to tell us something needs attention, possibly a lesson.

Sadness shows our depth and empathy for others. We accept some sadness as Jesus himself was a Man of sorrow. We ask the Father to turn it into good.

Anxiety is a sign that we’re living in the future or the past and we need to get back to the present.

Musings

We are in this together.“Therefore encourage each other with these words,” the Apostle Paul said. And thank the Father for grace and each other. “He will continue the good work in you.”

Prayer

Dear Father,

Wisdom is a tall order and becoming wise is challenging at best and impossible without Your help. Thank you for continuing Your work with us. Please help us to embrace the fruit in our lives and the lives of others.

With thanks,

Amen.