Wisdom from above

But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness. James 3:17-18 NLT

True wisdom comes down from heaven as a gift of God to the believer who asks for it (see James 1:5, 17). This wisdom is reflected upon decisions made by a follower of Christ. It is the manifestation of dependence on the will of God. Heavenly wisdom has its own characteristic: “first of all pure.” Wisdom from above is clean, undefiled, innocent, just as Christ himself is pure. “We do know that we will be like him, for we will see him as he really is. And all who have this eager expectation will keep themselves pure, just as he is pure” (1 John 3:2b-3). True wisdom finds its origin in God because God himself is pure, that is, holy. This is what God had set out to show through our lives; the holiness of God. God’s presence and holiness dispel the darkness and provide illumination to everything. It is pure for it is not influenced by anything. The person that receives this wisdom from above will be “peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others.” The attitude displayed pleases God for it proves submission to Him. Their ways reflect God’s mercy that produces “fruit of good deeds.” The desire is to reach out to others by reflecting God’s life possessed within. Another characteristic of this wisdom from above is that “It shows no favoritism and is always sincere.” The child of God that possesses this wisdom from above will be a peacemaker, refrains from being partial and shows no favoritism. “God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God” (Matthew 5:9). The planted “seeds of peace” will “reap a harvest of righteousness.” As followers of Christ, we must be aware that He had set us to a destination and therefore we must be sure He is driving our life. When we submit to God, the result is righteousness, that is, right living. God has given us opportunities to show that we are functioning based on the wisdom that He provides. Let us seize those opportunities and constantly pray that He will provide us His wisdom. “If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking” (James 1:5).

Blessings,