Journal Entry ~ 07/16/18

But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. - James 3:17

In addition to pure, His wisdom is peaceable, gentle, and open to reason. Peaceable means that his wisdom always strives for unity and harmony. It’s not open to conflict. So if you are making a decision or giving advice, the end goal should always be peace. His wisdom never promotes dissonance or dissension. It’s important to note that His wisdom is peaceable to all those who accept it. The reality is we live in relation with people who follow earthly wisdom. Wisdom of the world promotes self, so decisions are made that will be most self-serving. on It can be challenging to be in relation with people in this world who do not subscribe to His wisdom, and therefore do not always promote peace. There will be times when we are striving for peace, but the people we are doing life with will choose to be in conflict with us. In these situations, we need to carefully reflect on our actions and our words, looking for any fault to own. But even when we do, there are people who may choose division. I know well what it is like to live in relation with these people, striving for peace, but finding conflict. All we can do is to continue to pray for restoration, And wait on God to provide the healing we long for in our broken relationships. 

Gentle wisdom is full of grace and always yields to others. If your wisdom places others before yourself, then you know it is from above. Related to peaceable, this characteristic is essentially a strategy for promoting peace. I’m order for us to be peaceable, we must be gentle. I have come to realize I am not always gentle as I strive for peace. I can push and insist on resolution when I am in conflict, rather than being gentle with my responses. My intention is peace, but my actions are not received as gentle. He has been growing my gentle wisdom of late, as He has been helping me step back and give others the time and space to process in their timing. He’s been teaching me to talk less and listen more. As I am growing in my gentleness, I have noticed those in my life who do not know Him lean in and listen more. 

His wisdom is also open to reason. When we are reasonable, we listen to sound judgment. In other words, when we read truths in His Word, we work to apply those truths to our life without hesitation. Though it can be challenging, wisdom is always compliant and obedient. We must note this reasonableness is for us, however - not for us to apply to others. Sometimes, we have a tendency to look to others and expect them to apply the truths found in His Word to their lives in the same way or with the same pace as we apply it to our life. Remembering His wisdom is also gentle and strives for peace, we must always patient as we wait for God to work on the hearts of our loved ones in His timing. 

When questioning where our wisdom comes from, we can look to the outcomes.  Earthly wisdom is focused on selfish ambition, and therefore often results in conflict. But the wisdom from above is reasonable, gentle and always promotes peace. 
  

Press on ~ you are loved 💗

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