James 3:13-4:3, 7-8a
Responsive Reading -
Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.
But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth.
That kind of "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil.
Where you find envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.
But 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.
Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.
When you ask, sometimes you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives.
You may be motivated by your own pleasure.
You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God?
Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.
Do you think it is without good reason that Scripture says that the spirit he caused to live in us envies intensely?
But he gives us more grace.
That is why Scripture says: "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble."
Submit yourselves to God.
Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
Come near to God and he will come near to you.
Hymn/Song Suggestion:
“He Giveth More Grace”
These last three phrases will make a good reading alone… I think they’re sort of a New Testament version of the “If my people…” passage from 2 Chronicles 7:14. Submit, Resist, Come Near!
Leader: Submit yourselves to God.
People: Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
Leader: Come near to God.
People: And he will come near to you.
Leader: This is a very good Word from the Lord.
People: Thanks be to God!