Summer Fruit Devotion: Gentleness Day 1

Meekness of Wisdom

“Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.” James 3:13-18

Meekness and gentleness are translated from the same root word in many verses of scripture and often used interchangeably, so I will be highlighting both words this week.

Last week on Faithfulness Day 4 we read through James 2 where he talks about how we show our faith by works. Here in chapter 3 James explains the attitude we should have. Meekness of wisdom. In the Outline of Biblical Usage Larry Pierce explains, “Gentleness or meekness is the opposite to self-assertiveness and self-interest. It stems from trust in God’s goodness and control over the situation. The gentle person is not occupied with self at all. This is a work of the Holy Spirit, not of the human will.” Earthly wisdom says, “I am better than you and deserve more for myself.” Wisdom from above says, “I am nothing and I deserve hell for my sins, but God has forgiven me. Now I don’t have to clamor to get my way because I trust God and He is taking care of me.” We can apply this meekness of wisdom to every relationship in our lives. When you get passed over at work, or your spouse overlooks your hard work, or your kids are ungrateful, or you get cut off in traffic, or you don’t get enough likes on social media… you get the idea. Let go of any pride, bitter jealousy and selfish ambition. Lean in to the meekness of wisdom. It will be uncomfortable at first. It might even feel fake for a while, but by the Spirit God will grow it in your life and use your fruit to grow it in others.

Journal time. Write a list of what “wisdom from above” is. Does it sound like anyone Scripture talks about? Do these words remind you of any other scriptures? Go on a treasure hunt and write them too.

Pray with me today. Heavenly Father, we are grateful for scriptures like this that sugarcoat or skirt the truth. We are desperate to learn gentleness and meekness of wisdom in a noisy culture that is threatening to drown us all out. Almost every slogan in our culture claims we should be getting more for ourselves, but we want only what you have for us. Holy Spirit help us to sow your peace and good fruits so that we can see the Gospel change the selfish, jealous culture we live in and let it begin in our own hearts. In the meek and wise name of Jesus we pray, Amen.