Three More Lessons from James

I enjoyed studying James so much for yesterday's devotional that I just had to continue.  Again, very practical advice on dealing with others.  I challenge you to read these verses in two other translations to see what you learn new.

1.  Get Along With Others. (I observe this all the time in social media.  Christians arguing over issues. Yes, I think there's a place for a good discussion.  I just think we need to show respect.)

James  3: 17-18 Real wisdom, God’s wisdom, begins with a holy life and is characterized by getting along with others. It is gentle and reasonable, overflowing with mercy and blessings, not hot one day and cold the next, not two-faced. You can develop a healthy, robust community that lives right with God and enjoy its results only if you do the hard work of getting along with each other, treating each other with dignity and honor.

2. Compliment Instead of Complain.  (I know it's easier to complain. I'm convicted about complaining in general.)

James 5:9 Friends, don’t complain about each other. A far greater complaint could be lodged against you, you know.

3.  Draw Them Back.  (We all have friends -- perhaps even dear friends -- that we've seen stray.  Maybe they haven't completely fallen off the wagon. They just don't attend church anymore.  They've let "little" sins creep in.  I'm encouraged to stay in touch with those friends and encourage them in their relationship with Jesus.  Of course, go after the ones who have really run in the wrong direction too.  No one is out of God's reach.)

James 5:19-20 My dear friends, if you know people who have wandered off from God’s truth, don’t write them off. Go after them. Get them back and you will have rescued precious lives from destruction and prevented an epidemic of wandering away from God.

Lord, help me to see where I need to apply your principles in my relationship to others.  Please show me a specific person to encourage, forgive, compliment or contact.

Stacy