Morning Meditation

Posted on Tuesday, November 13, 2007 at 7:52

I've been meditating on the following Scripture the past few days...

"But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy, and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy."  James 3:17

To say the least, I have been greatly challenged as I've paused to consider the meaning and application of each of these attributes.  Pure.  Peaceable.  Gentle. Easily entreated.  Full of mercy.

Wow.  I feel as though I'm reading the Biblical description of Christian womanhood!  Obviously all Scripture applies to all mankind (male and female alike), but as a woman- and as a wife and mother in particular- this verse places a high water mark on my daily conduct.  How easy it is to become impatient and hasty with my loved ones, or speak sharply without meaning to, or fail to truly stop and listen to my small children.  But I am commanded by God Himself to be peaceable, gentle, easily entreated and full of mercy and good works!

Obviously I cannot do this on my own.  By nature, I am an impatient, hasty and selfish individual.  I am not naturally full of mercy and good fruits, and neither are you!  I must look to One that is greater, stronger and more holy than I to grant the strength and grace to be all that I should be.

  The other morning I wrote this verse on an index card and I've been reading and meditating upon it throughout the day.  I've found that the Holy Spirit is ever faithful in reminding us to submit to God's design- just when an impatient word attempts to escape my lips, I remember peaceable, gentle, full of mercy.  As much as I would like to be a perfect wife and mother, I realize I will always be a creature with a sinful nature.  But I strive after, grateful for His sufficient grace.