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Core Beliefs

The Message version: “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.”

I bet you noticed that I also included verse 18, didn’t you? I did because the two verses in this version go so well together. I read these in other versions but this meaning wasn’t as clearly stated as it is here.

WHY we should all work so hard to GET ALONG? Why? Because for us to be able to show that we understand what unconditional love is – we need to 1) be gentle with one another 2) be reasonable in our expectations, or better yet, have no expectations of one another, but be openly accepting 3) overflowing with mercy and blessings– what’s mercy?? Anybody have a good come back? 4) don’t be two-faced,

Mercy – according to Merriam-Webster:
1 a: compassion or forbearance shown especially to an offender or to one subject to one's power; also : lenient or compassionate treatment <begged for mercy> b: imprisonment rather than death imposed as penalty for first-degree murder 2 a: a blessing that is an act of divine favor or compassion b: a fortunate circumstance <it was a mercy they found her before she froze> 3: compassionate treatment of those in distress <works of mercy among the poor>

NOW, compare that to the NIV version:
17But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.

If we do understand God’s message, then the wisdom should lead to what? 1) purity, 2) peace-loving, 3) being considerate 4) submissive 5) full of mercy and good fruit 6) impartial 7) sincerity.

That is a few more than the first version. What is the difference? Is there a difference?

Both versions seek to help us to calm our spirits and listen, see and then follow God’s message thru Christ for each of us – to love unconditionally (see the foundation message from 2 weeks ago).

I read this last night and realized that this cornerstone may need both verses. With both verses we have a great support structure to keep a church together. You know, the church – your home to learn about God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. The church is where you can learn how to live a life that will bring, honor and glory to God (and you). I have always said that my church is my extended family. Why? Because it is where I can be me and be accepted. My church is gentle and reasonable, overflowing with mercy and blessings, not hot one day and cold the next, not two-faced. My church works to develop a healthy, robust community that lives right with God and enjoy its results because there are a core number of people that do the hard work of getting along with each other, treating each other with dignity and honor. Does this sound familiar? Does your church encourage these traits in you and those around you?

So who do you have a beef with? Who did you turn a cold shoulder to today? Go back and show love. Work hard to get along with one another, as you get along with God, share all that you have received with those around you.

Another question – are you one of those that is involved in your church? Do you support your church in all that it does so that harmony and God’s love can abound?

Well, it’s been a long day, thanks for reading.
Please pray for harmony in your church, in your life, at your job and in all your relationships.
I pray that you all are true to yourselves and those around you; that you are not two-faced in any of your dealings and interactions.
Take care until next I write,
alyce