James 3 Part 10: Supernatural Wisdom II

1. Those who are under our care and our responsibility, whether our children or students, or those who look to us for spiritually leadership… wisdom dictates an attitude of gentleness, not injustice, not promoting or allowing for sin, but a righteous gentleness, that is first pure and then peaceable and gentle, to the extent that we yield our rights, in the hopes that the grace we extend may recover them from the snare of their error. May our first response be towards grace, may our first response be to desire to pick them up, may our first response be hopeful loving instruction and reeducation, like a mother or father, pointing them the right way. There may well come a time for discipline and strong rebuke, The first act may be grievous enough to require immediate discipline, but the Lord sees the heart, and Godly wisdom dictates that as much as it lies in you, regardless of your pain, extend the mercy and grace first where ever possible.

2. Those to whom we are called to render honor and to consider as better than themselves, especially those in God-ordained roles of leadership, let us learn to be easily entreated, and easily won over by the truth. Wisdom dictates that we should forsake all stubborn rebellion, all unwillingness to cooperate, all emotional belligerence that prevents us from being EASILY prevailed upon, EASILY won over, and EASILY, persuaded to comply with reason. Can they get through to you? How often are trusted mentors able to get through to you in a way where you would actually comply?

"For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry…"
-1 Sam 15:23a