James 3:16-18
In fact, where there is envy and selfish ambition, there will also be disorder and every bad practice. But the wisdom that comes from above is first pure, then also peaceful, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial, and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who practice peace.
Dear Heavenly Father,
When we look at the world, envy and selfish ambition seem to be the highlight of every newscast. Someone envious of another murdered, robbed, or lied about them, disrupting their families’ lives or ruining another’s reputation. Why? To advance their own selfish ambition. We are not immune to this; our sinful nature is all about our pride, so please forgive us when we get stuck in our envy and selfishness. As James wrote, it brings about disorder and every bad practice.
The wisdom that comes from above is the same wisdom your Son shared with us: love, mercy, and forgiveness. In a similar manner to James, Paul wrote that love is patient and kind, keeping no record of wrongs. Love lifts one another up when things don’t go our way; the focus is not on ourselves but others. Your Son emulated the ultimate love by going to the cross for all people’s sins and suffering the punishment due to us. Our reaction to his love for us is love toward others, which comes to us through faith in him.
We pray that in faith, you would create new hearts in all your believers so that we would be peaceful, gentle reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial, and sincere. So that through faith, we can practice peace with others, especially those who do not know you. May we be right with you for Jesus’ sake, and the love of Christ be reflected on others so that they will be drawn to faith. Let this be our prayer: let us live out our faith and your word, so we will preach the good news of Jesus’ love and forgiveness to everyone we meet today. Amen.
Written through Pastor Roger Emmons
Hatred, jealousy, and negative judgments seem to follow envy and pride. Overcome that by reflecting to others the love and forgiveness Jesus has for you. You have eternal life through his love and forgiveness, so imitate this by sowing peace.