Closing the Sermon on the Mount with this parable draws attention to the importance of exercising wisdom and discernment, building our lives on the bedrock of Jesus.
Some other useful verses that focus on wisdom and discernment:
Proverbs 1:7
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
James 1:5
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.
1John 4:1
Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.
James 3:13-18
Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.
The Bible is rich in verses about God's love for
people who are living in poverty, and for our
Christian responsibility to care for the poor and
the oppressed, and help communities in need.
Today and every day, this verse from Galatians offers us a
reminder of the importance of freedom and the need to
love your neighbour as yourself.
When we find ourselves descending into a state of worry, these reassuring words from
Jesus have the power to raise us back to where he would like us to be!
Each of you should look not only
to your own interests, but also
to the interests of others.
Your attitude should be the same
as that of Christ Jesus.
Philippians 2:4-5
Following yesterday's scorching heatwave, it is good to recall this verse from Psalm 113.
Praise the Lord!
This is such a reassuring verse from Isaiah, which brings comfort and hope to those who feel they are facing darkness and difficult times that seem to have no solution.
Thank you Lord for your golden light!
Photo by James Day, Unsplash
The parable of the mustard seed shows us how God's Kingdom grows in the life of each believer.
When we put our trust in Jesus, the Holy Spirit comes to live within, similar to a mustard seed being planted in the ground.
There are days when making progress can feel like walking in a maze. At these times, this verse from Proverbs 4 offers both comfort and reassurance that God will lead us.
Amen!
This lovely verse from Proverbs 16 offers us an important reminder of the power that lies in kind words, tolerance and understanding to nourish and heal.