Harvest of Righteousness
Date: May 16, 2023
I use the BLESS method every morning for my devotional.
B - Bible Verse
L - Listen for God's Word and pray
E - Explore the History and meaning
S - Study the Key Words or Phrases
S - Summarize and Share
You can read more about it by going to: What is a Faith Journal?
B - Bible Verse: James 3:17-18 "But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness."
L - Listen for God's Word and pray: Prayer: "Heavenly Father, open my heart and mind to receive Your wisdom as I reflect on these verses. Help me understand the qualities of heavenly wisdom and guide me in applying them to my life. May Your peace and righteousness abound in me. In Jesus' name, amen."
E - Explore the History and Meaning: The book of James was written by James, the brother of Jesus, who wrote it to encourage and guide the early Christian communities. In this passage, James emphasizes the difference between worldly wisdom and the wisdom that comes from heaven. He highlights the characteristics of heavenly wisdom, saying it is pure, devoid of selfish motives and impurities. It promotes peace, seeking harmony and reconciliation. Heavenly wisdom is considerate and shows compassion towards others. It is submissive, acknowledging God's authority and yielding to His will. It bears the fruits of mercy and produces good actions. It is impartial, treating everyone fairly, and sincere, genuine in its intentions. The outcome of living by heavenly wisdom is a harvest of righteousness.
S - Study the Key Words or Phrases: Key Words or Phrases:
Wisdom from heaven: Refers to the divine wisdom that comes from God.
Pure: Signifies a state of moral purity, free from impurities or selfish motives.
Peace-loving: Indicates a disposition towards peace and fostering harmony.
Harvest of righteousness: Describes the positive outcome or result of living according to heavenly wisdom, reaping the fruits of righteous living.
S - Summarize and Share:
Devotional: When I read James 3:17-18, I am reminded of the incredible impact that heavenly wisdom can have on our lives, especially in the midst of the challenges we face in the modern world. This wisdom, which originates from God Himself, is like a guiding light that lightens our path and shapes our character.
In today's society, we often witness conflicts, divisions, and selfish ambitions basically winning! But heavenly wisdom calls us to a different way of living. It requires us to embody purity, not just in our actions but also in the motives of our hearts. It challenges us to be peace-loving individuals, actively seeking reconciliation and harmony wherever we go.
Heavenly wisdom urges us to be considerate and compassionate toward others. It prompts us to think beyond ourselves, to understand the struggles and needs of those around us. By demonstrating mercy and kindness, we become agents of God's love in a world that so desperately needs it. It means willingly submitting to God's authority, requiring us to surrender our own will and align ourselves with His divine plan. And when we do, we find freedom and discover the fullness of life that comes from walking in step with our Creator.
As we take on these qualities of heavenly wisdom, we not only transform our own lives but also impact the lives of those we encounter. Our words and actions become genuine and sincere, leaving a lasting impression on others. We become peacemakers, bridge builders, and agents of positive change.
I invite you to join me in pursuing heavenly wisdom. Let’s seek God's guidance daily, allowing His wisdom to shape our thoughts, words, and deeds. May we be beacons of purity, spreading peace and harmony in our relationships and our communities. Let's extend compassion and mercy to those in need, showing the world what it means to truly follow Christ.
I encourage you to ask yourself: How can I embody heavenly wisdom in my interactions with others? How can I sow seeds of peace and righteousness in my sphere of influence? May God empower us to live out these virtues and may the world experience the transformative power of heavenly wisdom through our lives.
Bible Cross References:
Proverbs 2:6: "For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding."
Matthew 5:9: "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God."
Galatians 5:22-23: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control."
May God's wisdom guide you as you seek to live out these principles in your life.