Episode 1130
How Do We Live the Gentle Wisdom of James 3?
The central theme of today's discourse revolves around the nature of wisdom as articulated in James 3:13-18. Within this framework, we assert that genuine wisdom is not merely a matter of eloquent speech but is intrinsically connected to the manner in which one conducts oneself and interacts with others. Through a progressive lens, we explore the implications of embodying justice, emphasizing that authentic wisdom manifests through actions that promote dignity, honor, and community well-being. Furthermore, we delve into the notion that ambition devoid of mercy leads to discord and fragmentation within communities, underscoring the necessity of fostering peaceful relationships through diligent effort. As we engage with these profound insights, we invite our listeners to contemplate actionable steps that align with the principles of mercy and justice in their daily lives.
Takeaways:
- The podcast emphasizes the importance of embodying wisdom through actions rather than mere words, advocating for a life characterized by humility and mercy.
- Listeners are encouraged to engage in practices that foster community and dignity, highlighting that ambition devoid of mercy can fracture relationships.
- James chapter 3 is referenced to illustrate that real wisdom begins with a holy life, underscoring the necessity of treating others with kindness and respect.
- The episode stresses that peace is an active pursuit, requiring diligent effort to cultivate harmony within one's community and relationships.
- An actionable step is proposed, urging listeners to perform a specific act that promotes dignity and peace in their interactions with others.
- The podcast concludes with a prayer, inviting listeners to embody the principles discussed and commit to building a more compassionate community.
Links referenced in this episode:
The "Daily Bible Refresh" is presented each day by Rev. Dr. Brad Miller who has a goal of speaking a bit of the bible into two million ears (one million people) in three years (2025-2028).
He is the author of "The A, B, C-1,2,3 Bible Study Guide" Free to you by clicking HERE.
Brad served as a local church pastor for forty years and has a background in radio and podcasting. Moreover, he is a life-long student of The Bible.
He believes in the words of Jesus that “scripture is fulfilled in your hearing” (Luke 4:21)
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Transcript
Hello, my friend Dr. Brad Miller here with the Daily Bible Refresh.
Speaker A:This is your daily reading of the Bible from a progressive point of view.
Speaker A:In a bit I will read the New Testament lessons selected from the Revised Common Lectionary for this very day.
Speaker A:The reading is understandable.
Speaker A:I use the Message version Relatable.
Speaker A:Please listen to the points to ponder and applicable with action steps you can take.
Speaker A:We pray and are done in less than 10 minutes.
Speaker A:It's all brought to you by voiceofgoddaily.com which is the home of your free personal Bible Study Guide, the ABC1, 23 Bible Study Method.
Speaker A: lionaires a million people by: Speaker A:You can help by saving and subscribing to the podcast and tagging your friends.
Speaker B:Here's today's Reading Reading today From James chapter 3, verses 13 through 18 from the Message Live well, Live Wisely do you want to be counted wise to build a reputation for wisdom?
Speaker B:Here's what you do.
Speaker B:Live well, live wisely.
Speaker B:Live humbly.
Speaker B:It's the way you live, not the way you talk that counts.
Speaker B:Mean spirited ambition isn't wisdom.
Speaker B:Boasting that you are wise isn't wisdom.
Speaker B:Twisting the truth to make yourself sound wise isn't wisdom.
Speaker B:It's the furthest thing from wisdom.
Speaker B:It's animal cunning, devilish plotting.
Speaker B:Whenever you're trying to look better than others or get better of others, things fall apart and everyone ends up at the other's throats.
Speaker B:Real Wisdom God's wisdom begins with a holy life and is characterized by getting along with others.
Speaker B:It is gentle and reasonable, overflowing with mercy and blessings.
Speaker B:Not hot one day and cold the next.
Speaker B:Not two faced.
Speaker B:You can develop a healthy, robust community that lives right with God and enjoys its results only if you do the hard work of getting along with each other, treating each other with dignity and honor.
Speaker B:Well my friend, thank you for joining me today as we kind of gather around the table, around a cup of coffee or just in a just a moment of conversation about the Scriptures.
Speaker B: ,: Speaker B:Then live it humbly, gently, mercifully.
Speaker B:Wisdom isn't a mic drop moment.
Speaker B:It's a way of life that builds peace.
Speaker B:So let's get into some points to ponder here from a progressive point of view.
Speaker B:The first is Wisdom is embodied justice, not clever words.
Speaker B:It's the way you live, not the way you talk is what it says in a Culture that treats hot takes like wisdom.
Speaker B:James points to humble practice, mercy, dignity, honor.
Speaker B:Progressive faith pushes wisdom from abstraction to action, standing with the marginalized, telling the truth without cruelty and shaping systems that care for the least.
Speaker B:If our theology sounds wise but leaves our neighbors hungry, unheard or unsafe, James would say that's not wisdom, it's spin.
Speaker B:Lived wisdom looks like equitable policies, accessible health care, anti racist practices and everyday kindness.
Speaker B:A second point to ponder Ambition without mercy fractures community.
Speaker B:James warns against mean spirited ambition and truth twisting.
Speaker B:When the goal is to win, not to love, everyone ends up at each other's throats.
Speaker B:I see this in sports cultures at some times where people get really nasty about sports.
Speaker B:And I love sports, believe me.
Speaker B:But some people get really nasty.
Speaker B:You know, it can even happen in church meetings and other places like that.
Speaker B:Certainly happens in politics.
Speaker B:Progressive wisdom reframes success.
Speaker B:Not did I get my way but did we grow in dignity, honor and care in my cancer podcast community, the wisest voices aren't always the loud, they're the present.
Speaker B:They make room.
Speaker B:They share lives, share rides, organize meals and tell the truth gently.
Speaker B:They build a healthy, robust community where people can heal.
Speaker B:Third point to ponder Peace is hard work.
Speaker B:Peace is holy work.
Speaker B:James says you only enjoy the results of right living if you do the hard work of getting along with each other.
Speaker B:Peace isn't passive, it's practice.
Speaker B:Progressive Christians take reconciliation seriously.
Speaker B:We repair harm, center those wounded by our words or systems and commit to steady, non violent courage.
Speaker B:Think of a good team, Indiana University's football team, the great Pacer team from this past.
Speaker B:From this past year.
Speaker B:Trust consistently and unselfish play.
Speaker B:When more than hero ball, God's wisdom plays the long game.
Speaker B:Gentle, reasonable, not two faced.
Speaker B:It's integrity over image.
Speaker B:Let's talk about an action step for this week.
Speaker B:Practice a mercy rep. That is choose one relationship or space where attention or performative wisdom shows up.
Speaker B:It might be in your family or workplace or social media post, perhaps church.
Speaker B:Do one concrete act that builds dignity and peace, that is Such things as listen without interrupting, apologize specifically for any harm you may have done, share credit publicly or offer practical help.
Speaker B:Childcare rides, something to eat maybe, and add a justice thread.
Speaker B:Support one local initiative that promotes your the health of your community.
Speaker B:Maybe fair housing or food or mutual aid or healthcare advocacy.
Speaker B:Wisdom grows where mercy is repeated.
Speaker B:We're going to come back and have a prayer.
Speaker B:Just a minute.
Speaker B:Did want you to head over to our website voiceofgoddaily.com that's where you can find all our helpful Bible Study guide.
Speaker B:It's called the ABC 123 Bible Study Guide.
Speaker B:Free for you.
Speaker B:Let's pray.
Speaker B:God of gentle wisdom, teach us to live what we say.
Speaker B:When ambition gets loud, quiet us with humility.
Speaker B:When truth feels sharp, speak to us with dignity and mercy.
Speaker B:Make our homes and churches places of dignity and honor.
Speaker B:Bless our families, our teams, our favorite trails.
Speaker B:Let laughter remind us that joy and wisdom belong together.
Speaker B:Be close to those facing illness.
Speaker B:Give them companions who show up with hope and humor and shape us into people who build peace one small act at a time.
Speaker B:Amen.
Speaker A:My friend, I am delighted you chose to join me for today's reading.
Speaker A:The Daily Bible Refresh is completely listener supported.
Speaker A: on years, a million people by: Speaker A:I would be so grateful if you would go to voiceofgodddaily.com and share your gift of any amount.
Speaker A:Thanks much.
Speaker A:My name is Dr. Brad Miller and I'll be right here tomorrow with your Daily Bible Refresh.
Speaker A:Please subscribe and tag your friends until tomorrow.
Speaker A:Remember, God's loyal love doesn't run out.
Speaker A:His merciful love hasn't dried up, it's created new every morning.
