I “stumbled upon” a gem the other day.
A gem of encouragement and hope.
Has this ever happened to you?? It had been there all along, but reading a particular Bible verse in a different translation allowed you to see it in an entirely new way? As if reading it for the first time??
And you knew it was just for you. For such a day as this.
As this was for me.
James 3:13-16 (The Message):
Do you want to be counted wise, to build a reputation for wisdom? Here’s what you do: Live well, live wisely, live humbly.
Live well, live wisely, live humbly.
I kept reading…
It’s the way you live, not the way you talk, that counts. Mean-spirited ambition isn’t wisdom. Boasting that you are wise isn’t wisdom. Twisting the truth to make yourselves sound wise isn’t wisdom. It’s the furthest thing from wisdom—it’s animal cunning, devilish conniving. Whenever you’re trying to look better than others or get the better of others, things fall apart and everyone ends up at the others’ throats.
I had been dealing with a bit of envy. I had compared myself to another (again!). I had difficulty forgiving someone who hurt my heart. I struggled watching another succeed in the ways I longed to.
Goodness, I was a walking mess!
Until James 3.
Here, through this scripture, God showed me each separate “issue” I was working through affected my relationships with others. Envy. Jealousy. Unforgiveness. Bitterness. Comparison.
None of it was healthy. None of it was positive. None of it helped me love others. All of it was damaging to me, to my relationships, and to the people around me.
If I wanted these relationships to remain healthy and positive, it was time for some adjustments.
Live well, live wisely, live humbly.
It’s the way we live that counts. Not to look better than others or get the better of others.
I continued reading…
James 3:17-18
Real wisdom, God’s wisdom, begins with a holy life and is characterized by getting along with others. It is gentle and reasonable, overflowing with mercy and blessings, not hot one day and cold the next, not two-faced. You can develop a healthy, robust community that lives right with God and enjoy its results only if you do the hard work of getting along with each other, treating each other with dignity and honor.
Oh, amen, and amen!!
Develop a healthy community by working hard at getting along, and treating each other with dignity and honor.
That means life minus comparisons, envy, bitterness, unforgiveness, resentment and jealousy.
And full of encouragement, support, forgiveness, love, contentment, peace.
That’s the kind of life I want to live.
How about you??
May today be the day we go about loving others, getting along, and treating each other with honor and respect.
Live well, live wisely, live humbly. Join me today, won’t you??
Many blessings,
Julie
It’s a gift to link up with two incredible women and their blogs: Kelly at #RaRaLinkup and Holly at #TestimonyTuesday. You’ll be blessed to see all that’s going on at each beautiful place!
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Oh my “yes” to these words today, right here and right now! I fall into the envy trap and as I do I even know it is happening and I don’t stop it. Sometimes it catches me totally unaware and other times I see it staring straight at me and I let it get the best of me. Now that i am finished with my confession, your post though the words of James really sets the stage for how to live our lives and the advice is just what I need. “It’s the way you love, not the way you talk” stood out to me as a big wake up call that I have the opportunity everyday to share God just through who I am and how I am living my life. It sounds like a big responsibility but it is what I want. Keep teaching! These words are a blessing! Have a great day my friend!
Hi Mary! I’m with you on this. Yet, sometimes just focusing on living my life for God simplifies everything. It takes me (and my focus) right where I need to be. I’m happy to be walking this road with you, friend. Bless you today and everyday!
“Live well, live wisely, live humbly.” That’s a wall-art-worthy saying! Easy to quote…sometimes really hard to follow. I can relate to being a mess. There’s so much of ME God still needs to clean up. Learning to really love others is a life-long apprenticeship. So thankful the Lord is working on me and never giving up. Thanks, Julie.
I’m thankful the Lord is working on me as well. So glad He doesn’t leave us where we once were, and that He continues to mold, refine and transform us from the inside out! Bless you, sweet friend!
Your title got me- because that is the desire of my heart. And I’m a mess, too. But your words bring so much hope and point me straight to the power of Christ. I love the verses you quoted- especially the one from James 3. Your gift of writing is a blessing- don’t stop, friend!
Thank you, Karen, for your encouragement and for stopping in. I was blessed by your words. Glad we can be messes together! 🙂 Much love to you.
Doing the hard work on getting along with others. Isn’t that some power packed wisdom!
The thought of living a quiet and humble life seems so easy until someone bumps my happy place. It takes work to get along, to love and to treat others with dignity and respect- especially when they are not thinking like me.
Thank you for unpacking some truth I needed to hear today!
It does take work to get along, and some days are harder than others. We aren’t alone in this task, however, and that comforts me and encourages me. I appreciate you stopping in and sharing here. Have a beautiful day!
Wow Julie, I’ve had this verse set as the background on my phone for a few weeks now. God keeps bringing it to me and he’s used it again today as a reminder! Thank you so much for putting it into words. Message received! Your neighbor at #rara 🙂
Don’t you just love it when God brings the same scripture to our attention over and over?! It encourages my heart so, knowing He’s teaching me and growing me. And what a great verse He is showing you! Praying you are affirmed in your calling today, Meg!
I needed this… today.
So glad, Tondra. Thank you for stopping over. It’s a joy to have you here! Blessings!
Amen! Love this Julie!! Such wisdom and transparency. Blessings to you and #writeon!
Thanks, Doris. Blessings to you as well!
Oh so good Julie. That comparison trap can get me so easily. Then, all the rest follows. Loved these reminders. Blessings friend!
Thanks, Carmen. I’m with you! Thank you for blessing me with your presence and words. Blessings to you, too!