James 3:13-18

¹³ Are any of you wise and understanding? Show that your actions are good with a humble lifestyle that comes from wisdom. ¹⁴ However, if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, then stop bragging and living in ways that deny the truth. ¹⁵ This is not the wisdom that comes down from above. Instead, it is from the earth, natural and demonic. ¹⁶ Wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there is disorder and everything that is evil. ¹⁷ What of the wisdom from above? First, it is pure, and then peaceful, gentle, obedient, filled with mercy and good actions, fair, and genuine. ¹⁸ Those who make peace sow the seeds of justice by their peaceful acts.

Listening to God: Beware of being too sure you are right.  Often an unwillingness to yield is linked with a selfish disposition.  My wisdom does not push others around or refuse to listen to differing points of view.  Human wisdom is often about winning.  My wisdom is about healing, saving, and redeeming.  Next time someone disagrees with you, be quiet.  Put yourself in a listening posture and ask me to show you what is wise and true.  This way of being with others bears a rich harvest of good fruit.

Journal or lift up your prayers and reflections to God.

*Our season of prayer guide comes from Joan Gray’s book, Sailboat Church: Helping Your Church Rethink Its Mission and Practice.