A lesson I learned today from my reading of the Epistle General of James comes from chapter 3 where the Apostle tells us that if we harbour bitter jealousy and selfish ambitions in our midst, we do not have the wisdom from above. Instead, we are living a life that is "earthly, sensual, and demonic" (verse 15), and our jealousy and ambition brings about confusion and evil deeds (verse 16).
In contrast to such confusion and evil, the wisdom that comes from above is described as pure, peaceful, gentle, reasonable, merciful, impartial, and without hypocrisy. (verse 17).
When we do away with bitter jealousy and selfish ambition, we sow the fruit of righteousness in peace.
- James 3:14 - 18 WEB World English Bible
- 14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, don't boast and don't lie against the truth.
- 15 This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, sensual, and demonic.
- 16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition are, there is confusion and every evil deed.
- 17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceful, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.
- 18 Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.
Brothers and Sisters in the Anointed One, let us beware of harbouring bitter jealousy and selfish ambitions in our hearts and among our brethren. Let us instead sow the fruit of righteousnness in peace. Let us be makers of the peace of God.
