Wisdom Found in Love

by Pastor Dan

Here is a phrase to ponder:  “Wisdom is gained through the courage to love.”  This phrase has shown up in my journal many times throughout the years.  At one point in time, I even wrote up an outline for a book with this as the title, which I never took time to finish.  

It is interesting to have grown-up conversations with your grandchildren as they move into adulthood.  Recently in one of those conversations, I was talking about how it was 49 years ago when I had my first date with my now wife.  Back then, it had to be a double date that was required from her parents.  As I relayed this story to my grandchild, I snapped my fingers and said this is what the last 49 years have seemed like.  Even though it seemed to go by very quickly, if I would close my eyes and rest my thoughts for a moment, there would be many moments that I would ponder the blessing of this statement.  

James 1:5 says, “But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”  So often, we want to teach, preach, or talk about the content of wisdom, but the content of the wisdom is not the most important part.  The most important thing to talk about when it comes to Godly wisdom is the context and the conduit of it.  Please note that James says that those who seek wisdom should ask of God.  In what context do you ask of God?  I don't want to burst anyone's bubble, but in the context of asking God, there must be a relationship, and there must be a context in which that transfer of information is given.  The wisdom that we seek is beyond the wisdom of this world.  The wisdom of this world is limited, but the wisdom of God is unlimited.  To tap into that unlimited wisdom, I believe that there must be a context of relationship that is based on love, and the greater the love, the better understanding and revelation there is of wisdom.  In the context of a believer in Jesus Christ and their relationship with Jesus, we come to an understanding that we are imperfect especially in love, and God is perfect.

Proverbs 10:12 says, “Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all transgressions.”  The Apostle Paul said in Colossians 3:14, “Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.”

So if that is the case, then our gaining wisdom comes out of the depth of God’s love through our life experiences with Christ leading us.  In that context, we then gain wisdom through the love of Jesus Christ in our experiences in life that are less than perfect.  The Apostle Paul said it well when he said that he finds the power of Christ through his weaknesses.  While living in this context of a love relationship with Christ and realizing that wisdom is gained through it, we now begin to think, act, and speak differently.  We have now been given the most wonderful opportunity to be a conduit of this God-infused wisdom to others.  

Solomon realized his need for this as he became King.  He asked God for wisdom when he sensed his need for help in leading the people.  God granted him wisdom not because he simply asked for it but because Solomon was looking out for the best interests of others.  Even today, we have the blessing to read the wisdom God gave to Solomon by reading the Bible.  Just as important, we can speak and listen to God today in the context of relationship and gain insight and wisdom that will encourage others.

Do you have a desire to share the wisdom of God with others?  Then deal with your context and conduit, work on your relationship with Jesus Christ, and learn how to communicate and listen to him.  Then live out that relationship in front of others with grace and humility, looking out for the best interests of others even above yourself.  If you get the context and conduit correct, God will take care of the rest and make it impactful and useful for the encouragement of others.  

Blessings to you,
-Pastor Dan