The Pattern of Wisdom

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. – (James 3:13, NIV)

Are there any among you who are really wise and understanding? Then you should show your wisdom by living right. You should do what is good with humility. A wise person does not boast. – (James 3:13, ERV)

Do you want to be counted wise, to build a reputation for wisdom? Here’s what you do: Live well, live wisely, live humbly. It’s the way you live, not the way you talk, that counts. – (James 3:13, MSG)

 

Wisdom and understanding come from living right and setting a pattern for choosing to do the next right thing. Our reputations are built on that which we choose to do, and the things that we forego. Both done in humility, speak volumes beyond anything we say with words. May we build a reputation for wisdom through living wisely and humbly, according to God’s perfect will. Let wisdom be shown through how we live.

Yesterday, we spent the first half of our day enjoying the company of Mark’s aunt and cousin, did a bit of running around, returned to his aunt’s house, and then began our journey home. Unfortunately, with all the travel, I did not have the opportunity to check in with mom. However, I do know that today is an important day, with the assessment for in-home therapies taking place before day’s end. Please pray for mom’s needs to be met, and for the perfect, hand-picked people to be placed on her path to work with her toward her ongoing recovery and restoration. Mom is ready to get to work, and I am hopeful for a great fit in personalities and expertise to accelerate mom’s progress.

 

Live well and wisely,

In humility;

With grace and kindness,

Let your actions lead.

Wisdom is not words,

Spoken on their own;

But rather our deeds,

Over time, we’ve shown.

For talk by itself,

Cannot truly show;

How powerfully,

Acts of His love grow.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your goodness and grace that calls us to action, rather than mere talk. Thank You that wisdom comes as we walk in humility, grace and obedience to You. Forgive us for the times that we have not chosen well, or have not followed through where Your loving kindness was needed most. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would seek You to live well, pursing the path that You have placed before us in wisdom and grace. Show us how to love those around us well, as we seek to show Your heart through our actions, rather than mere talk. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek Your heart to guide our every action. Amen.

 

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

 

Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. – Psalm 90:12

Most of All, Love

Most of all, love each other as if your life depended on it. Love makes up for practically anything. – (1 Peter 4:8, NLT)

Most of all, love each other steadily and unselfishly, because love makes up for many faults. – (1 Peter 4:8, VOICE)

Most important of all, love each other deeply, because love makes you willing to forgive many sins. – (1 Peter 4:8, ERV)

 

We are called to love one another well; deeply, steadily, unselfishly and as if our life depended on it. Our love is not meant to be dependent on what others do or do not do, but rather because Christ first loved us. If we choose to look through Christ’s filter of love, we are better equipped to forgive and forego the faults of others, just as the Lord has done through His unmerited mercy and grace.

This morning, I am about to enter into the last day of a wonderful women’s retreat with the lovely ladies from my church. It has been a weekend of God utilizing women to make His love and grace tangible, through those whom He has placed around me. Each of these ladies with whom I have had the privilege of conversation, has had a heart that was clearly choosing to love deeply, rather than find faults. Just as we have had the opportunity to care well for one another and to choose to love, so too, do we have the choice to go forth and continue doing likewise in our homes and communities. Imagine what our world would be like if we all chose to love steadily and unselfishly… May we each go forth in love, extending the very same grace that we have been given, to all whom we encounter.

 

Go forth and choose love,

Wherever you go;

Steady, unselfish,

So God’s love will show.

When we choose His love,

Our hearts can forgive;

Sin that surrounds us,

Give grace as God gives.

Let us love as if,

Our life does depend;

On reflecting Christ,

So anger finds end.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You do not call us to anything that You have not already done for us, and are not willing to equip and empower us to do. Thank You that You love us so fiercely, that we too, can go forth and love others as we are loved. Forgive us for making our love conditional or limited. Teach us to love steadily and unselfishly, trusting You to show us how and to give us strength to do that which You ask. Lead us to love those who need to know Your love in practical and tangible ways. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we love one another deeply, just as You love each of us. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Moreno and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

You have made known to me the paths of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence. – Acts 2:23