Heavenly Wisdom – James 3:16-17

16 For where there is jealousy and selfishness, there is disorder and every evil practice. 17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and not hypocritical. James 3:16-17 (NET)

Verse 16 explains how worldly wisdom, which is often motivated by jealousy, selfish ambition, and greed, can lead to disorder, strife, and evil. This leads to chaos, destruction, and moral corruption. In contrast, God’s true wisdom aligns with His nature and character and is pure, full of mercy, gentle, caring, and peace-loving. It is free from selfish motives; it is impartial, sincere, and shows no favoritism.

Verse 17 challenges us to look at our actions and decisions. Do they align with God’s wisdom? His wisdom is peace-loving and gentle, serving others, rather than being self-centered. God wants us to be full of mercy and good fruit. Living a transformed life is making decisions based on the principles and values of God, producing good fruit: peace, love, goodness, and self-control; and being impartial and sincere.

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. Galatians 5:22-23a (NET)

We demonstrate wisdom heavenly wisdom when we treat others fairly by doing things that align with God’s values and principles.

17-18 Real wisdom, God’s wisdom, begins with a holy life and is characterized by getting along with others. It is gentle and reasonable, overflowing with mercy and blessings, not hot one day and cold the next, not two-faced. You can develop a healthy, robust community that lives right with God and enjoy its results only if you do the hard work of getting along with each other, treating each other with dignity and honor. – James 3:17-18 (MSG)

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Lord, open our hearts and let your heavenly wisdom guide our lives. Teach us to treat each other with respect, patience, love, and self-control. Free us from selfish ambition and motives. Like the chrysanthemum flowers that are gathered together and shine in the sun, let us be gathered together in unity and shine with the light of Your son, Jesus. Amen

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Born Anew – 1 Peter 1:23

You have been born anew, not from perishable but from imperishable seed, through the living and enduring word of God. – 1 Peter 1:23 (NET)

What does the term “born anew” or “born again” mean? To be born again signifies transformation, a new beginning, and a fresh start. It is the change that happens when we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior. We are born anew from imperishable seed, which is the everlasting Word of God. It is a spiritual transformation, by faith, through the power of the Holy Spirit. This transformation brings eternal hope.

When we are born again, we transition from a life of sin to a life rooted in righteousness. This transformation not only alters our personal beliefs but also influences our relationships and interactions with others. The word of God is nurtured in our hearts. This spiritual rebirth leads to a profound shift in our perspective, values, and life’s purpose. As we grow in understanding of hope and love, we reflect our faith in all aspects of our lives.

Through this transformation, we develop a personal relationship with Jesus, becoming more like Him by setting aside pride, showing compassion, practicing forgiveness, and loving others.

By God’s grace through faith, we are born anew and receive eternal salvation. This profound change not only shapes our identity but also guides our actions and decisions. As we embrace this new life, we are called to share this message of hope with others, reflecting the love and grace we have received.

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Our Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your grace, mercy, and love. Help us to develop a personal relationship with Jesus, becoming more like Him in our thoughts and actions. Guide us to a life rooted in righteousness. As the rhododendron flowers are gathered together and bring brightness to summer days, let us come together and shine brightly with Your love. In Jesus’ holy name. Amen.

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Good Work – Philippians 1:6

And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.

– Philippians 1:6 (NLT)

The believers in Philippi had been generous supporters of Paul, and he cared about them deeply. In Philippians 1, he gives thanks and gratitude to them for their help in spreading the Good News about Christ. He also encourages them to continue growing in their faith and to stand firm in the face of challenges.

3 Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. 4 Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy, 5 for you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now. – Philippians 1:3-5 (NLT)

God begins His good work in us at the time of our salvation. God then continues our spiritual growth and knowledge through the lifelong process of sanctification, leading us to become more Christ-like. We are being transformed, directed, and shaped by God to fit our purpose in this world. This transformation strengthens our faith and equips us to positively impact those around us. As we embrace this journey, we become living testimonies of God’s grace and love.

Our spiritual growth continues, finishing with a flourishing conclusion when Jesus returns. Until then, we must remain steadfast in our faith, actively seeking ways to share His love and grace with others.

There has never been the slightest doubt in my mind that the God who started this great work in you would keep at it and bring it to a flourishing finish on the very day Christ Jesus appears. Philippians 1:6 (MSG)

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Thank you, our Heavenly Father, for Your love, mercy, and grace. Through your good works, let us continue to grow spiritually, becoming transformed and shaped to become more like Jesus. As the colorful petunias spread and grow toward the sun, let us grow in faith and spread Your love. Amen

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Clothe yourself:Colossians 3:12-14

13Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. 14Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.
Colossians 3:12-14 (NLT)

When we accept Jesus into our lives, we are changed, transformed, and holy. As holy people, we need to emulate Jesus to put on a heart of compassion. Letting go of sin, pride, anger, and unforgiveness, clothing ourselves in patience, kindness, humility, gentleness, and compassion.
When we allow Christ to rule in our hearts our lives are transformed. We learn to act as Jesus did and forgive others as He forgives us. We clothe ourselves with love, learning to love one another as He has loved us.

12-14 So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It’s your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it.
Colossians 3:12-14 (MSG)

Are you clothing yourself by putting on kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience?

Prayer; Our Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your grace, compassion, and forgiveness toward us. Teach us to clothe ourselves with mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Help us to forgive others as you have forgiven us. Guide us, and teach us to clothe ourselves with love. Like the straw flowers are gathered close together, let us gather together with love in perfect harmony. In Jesus’ loving name. Amen

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