This devotional continues to explore the definitions of the words James used to describe God’s wisdom, that wisdom which comes from heaven:

(NIV) James 3:17 “…full of mercy…”

  Consider our need to seek mercy in the courts of heaven with God as our Judge…we deserve condemnation and His true justice.

  God’s justice finds me guilty; yet, He grants His pardon to all who have received Jesus Christ as the Savior Who saves us from our sins, and that’s mercy.

  God is the supreme Judge Who grants mercy or justice.  If God’s justice is granted…then condemnation.  If God’s mercy is granted…then pardon and no condemnation.

  How can we exhibit being “full of mercy”?  When a judgment comes against another and they ask us to forgive them…Godly wisdom is to be full of mercy and give full pardon – no grudges kept, no mulling over wrongs received – full pardon, full forgiveness.

  What God has given to me in His wisdom, I am to give others with His wisdom. 

  We should expect no “pay back” from those to whom we show mercy.

  God’s mercy is given to you and me, there is no way we can “pay back” our God for His mercy.  We are to receive God’s mercy as His gift to us…Blessing!

  Being “full of mercy” is to be “controlled by” mercy.  In God’s mercy He does not give us what we deserve because it is through His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.  We need Jesus to be our Savior.

  God’s wisdom reveals God Himself: pure (God is God); peace-loving (Jesus Christ is our peace with God); considerate (Christ Jesus submitted to His Father); mercy (God gives us what we don’t deserve).

~Godly wisdom is full of mercy~