James 3:13-18

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Day 20

Read:

  • 13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.
  • 14 But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth.
  • 15 Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.
  • 16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.
  • 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.
Reflection
  • James continues on this explanation that your faith will be demonstrated in how you live. Here, he is saying to us that we should show our understanding and wisdom in our deeds
  • These deeds are to be done in humility - not boasting in our own strength but in Christ's
  • If we bitter, envious or have selfish ambition we are not to boast about any of these things for they are earthly, and even demonic
  • Envy and self ambition --> disorder
  • Wisdom (that we ask from God re Ch1), is pure (unlike earthly wisdom)
  • We are called to be peacemakers and we will be rewarded in heaven if done so
Application
  • My growing understanding and wisdom through Christ should lead to a change in how I live
  • I need to get rid of my envy and self ambition (selfishness) and instead seek wisdom from heaven as it is pure
  • Do not look to make conflict but instead look to be a peacemaker


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