Bible Verse Friday #22

"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 good deeds.  It shows no favoritism and is always sincere.  And those who are peacemakers will plants seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness".~James 3:17-18

Let's back up a little bit.
Sometimes when I read a verse I like to know in what context it was being used.
So let's review James 3:13-16

"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 self ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind".

I just got goosebumps.
This tells us straight forward to be kind, loving, peaceful and gentle always.
NEVER selfish, jealous, boastful or dishonest.

Now this is not always easy, because not everyone holds themselves accountable to these requirements.
We are told not to judge as final judgement will come from our heavenly father.
This applies to Non-believers, believers are held to a different standard. 
We still shouldn't judge, but we can gently correct one another.
It can be so hard to be kind and gentle to non-believers as we see them do things we view to be hurtful.
But God tells us how we should act.
There is not gray area. 
It is simply stated: "peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others"

So as you progress through your weekend despite who or what you encounter be as God asks you to be.
You never know when you will be the factor that helps someone seek HIM as their own.
Be a light of God's love wherever you go and you will be blessed when that judgement day comes. 

I hope you all had a Blessed Friday!