Wise and Understanding

Psalm 101, 109:1-4(5-19)20-30 • Psalm 119:121-144
Mal. 1:1,6-14 • James 3:13-4:12 • Luke 17:11-19

I love the beginning of today’s reading from James. For whatever reason, it seems to resonate with everything I feel I’ve learned about God as an Episcopalian. He says, “Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in humility that comes from wisdom.” He uses adjectives like peace-loving, full of mercy, impartial, and sincere to describe God’s heavenly wisdom.

As is implied in this reading, I believe we cannot be wise until we know humility, peace, mercy, impartiality, et cetera. Obviously “wise” is a rather arbitrary term, however I heavily associate it with knowledge. But this knowledge does not consist of facts you learn in a book, but rather a deeper knowledge. To be truly wise is to know God. And to know God is to be humble, patient, and merciful. To know God is to know Love.

I was asked the question the other day, “What are 3 charitable acts you have done in the last month?” It took me aback, because I realized that for most of us, our charitable acts go unnoticed even by us, actions such as holding the door for someone or letting someone into traffic. I encourage others to be mindful and to pay attention to your actions and the actions of those around you—they might be more charitable than you think.

Written by Tel Johnson

Tel grew up attending St. Paul’s. She currently lives in Little Rock with her cat, Hershel, and works at Arkansas Children’s Hospital.