Change of Heart Needed.

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. - James 3:17


My heart was heavy and my brain was full when I woke up this morning and so I did what I've come to find is the only thing that leads me to answers - I sought out the word. I've learned lately to love the word of God and that my heavenly Father left me a place to find all the right answers. As I've thought about tough relationships this week I'm challenged by this - that maybe it's my heart that needs a change.

I'm flattered when people describe me as smart or intelligent but what I want more than worldly wisdom is to be wise in the way the Lord defines it. A wisdom I know I lack. As I was reading James, and considering my tongue this morning and it's ability to do either great good or great destruction, it's amazing that the Lord had a completely separate challenge there for me.

I read through the verses about the tongue and prayed for the strength to do no harm with my tongue. To be someone who uses my words to build others up and not to tear anyone down. But I felt compelled to read on past there and as I hit this verse in Chapter 3 I knew why.

Worldly wisdom, can be gained from college, reading, studying, practice, hard work...but Godly wisdom? Am I lover of peace? Am I considerate? Am I willing to submit not just in action but in my heart? Am I full of mercy? Am I producing good fruit? Am I impartial? And as I seek these things, am I being sincere?

Tough questions, but even tougher answers. What I am most challenged by this morning is to be someone who is full of mercy. My prayer is that the Lord breaks my strong will and teaches me to be merciful and to be a lover of peace.

Blessed, truly, are the peacekeepers. May my tongue be tame and mercy be my first reaction this week. I am thankful for a God who hasn't given up on me.

Love,
B