Wisdom for Life
Wisdom is a key aspect of maturity. We often think of growing into maturity as we get older and gain more knowledge, but growing mature in wisdom transcends age. Wisdom grows when we learn to apply our knowledge to everyday choices and situations.
James, the brother of Jesus and writer of the book of James, talks about the process of growing in spiritual maturity in James 1:1-5. He tells us that anybody who seeks wisdom should simply ask God for it, and God will give it generously to anyone who asks.
Growing in spiritual wisdom happens when we use our knowledge of God, the world, and ourselves, to make right decisions about how we should act, live, and talk as Christians. It’s as we get to know God better that we grow in His wisdom and are equipped with the knowledge we need to live abundant lives that honor Him. In this way, wisdom comes from our relationship with God.
Nobody needs to lack wisdom because God offers it freely through a relationship with Him. As we seek Him and His wisdom, He gives us opportunities to practice it and grow in our trust in Him. And as we trust Him with our choices, we begin to see wisdom flourish in our lives.
So what will you do to cultivate wisdom in your life? The first step is to ask God for help. When you humbly come to God and admits your need for Him, He will generously give you all the wisdom you need.
“For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him; to whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace; without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually. Now consider how great this man was, unto whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils. And verily they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law, that is, of their brethren, though they come out of the loins of Abraham: but he whose descent is not counted from them received tithes of Abraham, and blessed him that had the promises. And without all contradiction the less is blessed of the better. And here men that ...
Here’s What Mercy Really Looks Like
What would you do if you ran into someone who offended, upset, or greatly wronged you?
The Pharisees in Jesus’ time taught that it was excessive to forgive someone more than three times. But Jesus’ teachings set a standard for extravagant forgiveness. He emphasized that we should forgive others generously and continuously.
The outward expression of forgiveness can look different for everyone, but true forgiveness should offer mercy and compassion to those who hurt us.
Forgiveness isn’t easy. Showing compassion to someone who hurt us goes against our natural desire. At times, it can even feel overwhelming, unfair, and impossible. But showing someone undeserved forgiveness and compassion is what mercy is … and it’s what Jesus does for us.
God so loved the world that—despite our constant mistakes and continual rejection of His presence—He sent His only Son, Jesus, to die for us. Although we didn’t deserve His forgiveness or love, He offered ...