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In James 3:13-18, the Lord’s brother writes about bitterness, jealousy, ambition, and selfishness while contrasting the godly virtues of peace and wisdom.
Let’s read his teaching in the paraphrased Old Guy Version (OGV).
If we say we are wise, our actions should express wisdom and gentleness, and those around us will experience grace in our presence (v. 13).
If we have bitterness coming from jealousy and selfishness arising from ambition, we must discern our true motives and not lie against the truth (v. 14).
The decisions that are motivated by bitterness, jealousy, selfishness, and ambition are fleshly, lacking faith, and follow the plans of the evil one (v. 15).
Where there is bitterness, jealousy, selfishness, and ambition, there will be disorder, discord, and dissension (v. 16).
But God’s wisdom has pure motives, brings peace, doesn’t defend itself, revels in mercy and grace, never quits, and displays the good deeds of righteousness (v. 17).
And let’s remember that thoughts of vision, holiness, faith, and hope are sown by those who make peace (v. 18).
We must ask ourselves, “Am I a person of peace, or am I a bitter person?” If we are bitter, our lives will reflect disorder and evil actions. If we are emissaries of peace, our peacemaking will produce satisfying relationships.
Personally, I can be a bitter person one day and a peaceful person the next. We all can!
Our first response to an offense can too easily be anger and harboring resentment, with increasing bitterness. However, by becoming a person of peace, our actions become compassionate, understanding, and forgiving.
We daily decide whether we will be a person of peace or a person of bitterness.
Offenses—from exasperated comments to children, holding onto a word someone spoke to you, and anger at a person walking a dog with a long leash that runs in front of you while riding your bike on the bike path—all give us opportunities to either forgive or develop a bitter spirit.
In case you are wondering, I’ve had all three of the above incidents happen to me. Now, honestly, you’ve been in similar situations, too.
Let’s conclude with the New Living Translation of James 4:18…
Those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness.