Wisdom from Above is… Full of Mercy

“But wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy…” (James 3:17 NKJV)

    The mercy in this passage is a mercy shown toward others, to show yourself merciful. It also holds within it a desire to relieve those who are sorrowful and afflicted by showing kindness and goodwill to them.

    Jesus exemplified this mercy several times (ex: Matthew 9:35-36, Matthew 14:14, and Matthew 15:29-32). We learn from His teaching that it proper to develop a heart of lovingkindness toward our fellow man. Consider Matthew 5:44, for instance, as well as Luke 10:25-37. We are to be kind and merciful “neighbours” to everyone we meet.

"So which of these three do you think was neighbour to him who fell among the thieves?" And he said, "He who showed mercy on him." Then Jesus said to him, "Go and do likewise." (Luke 10:36-37 NKJV)

    When we consider the mercy that God has shown toward us on a daily basis – granting us another day to learn and do more to honour and glorify Him, granting us access to His throne of grace through prayer, forgiving our sins as we repent of them, loading us with benefits and blessings (Psalm 68:19); He provides our needs (Matthew 6:30-34), comforts us, strengthens us, He gives us His peace that guards our hearts and minds through Jesus, and hope – when we consider all of that, we should be humbled and overflowing with appreciation. It should also develop a true willingness within our hearts and minds to extend mercy to others.

    Take time to read and think on Matthew 18:21-35. Are you holding grudges or withholding kindness? Are you willing to receive mercy but unwilling to extend it toward others in need of it? Are you enjoying the benefits of God but not sharing them with others? Please read 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 and 9:7-8. Our heavenly Father always gives us enough to share; we will always have a ready supply to show mercy to others!

    Those who are growing in the wisdom that is from above will also be humbling their heart to be a servant to both God and their fellow man. They will awake to each new day and count their blessings, keeping stock of all that God has granted them in His merciful love and care, and with that knowledge they will reflect His light in to the world through their good works, thoughtful concern, and gentle kindnesses (Galatians 6:9-10, Titus 3:8, 14). They will be forgiving because God is forgiving (Ephesians 4:32, Matthew 6:14-15); they will be full of mercy because God, our Creator, is full of mercy.

    Share your food (Isaiah 58:7-9, Luke 14:12-14), your house (Hebrews 13:2, 1 Peter 4:7-10), your clothes (Matthew 5:42), your wealth (1 Timothy 6:17-19, 2 Corinthians 9:7-8), and your time (Titus 2:3-5); share the good news of salvation with those who need it (1 Peter 3:15, Mark 16:15-16). Share the mercy that God has shown you, be forgiving and ready to heals hurts and wounds. Begin by understanding how blessed you are – how merciful God has been – and then extend that to others! Make it a daily determination so that you can grow and flourish in the wisdom that is from above. Are you ready to fill yourself up with mercy and show yourself merciful?

You can do it! So can I!!