Our scripture this morning is James 3:13-18.
If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you are bitterly jealous and there is selfish ambition in your heart, don’t cover up the truth with boasting and lying. For jealousy and selfishness are not God’s kind of wisdom. Such things are earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind. 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 writes much about our words and actions. Previously in his letter we have read “So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless” (James 2:17). We are called to a living faith, one that demonstrates God’s love for all.
In this passage he teaches “If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom” (v. 13). We often become so wrapped up in our own wants that we ignore the needs of others. Christ calls us not just to do good to those who ask, but to actively seek the last, the least and the lost to share God’s love.
Our faith must be shared in order to be meaningful, through our personal witness and active love. Jesus wants us to go into the world to make a difference. He has shown us the way and given the gifts we need to be the messengers of the Good News.
Loving Lord, thank You for sending Your son to give us hope and strength. Bless us to be a blessing to others that all the world may come to You. Amen.