“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”. 

Wisdom is called for in any situation that comes our way. Either good or bad situations. It is very crucial to seek wisdom as it will guide us to the path that leads to life. For there are many paths that seems right to a man but there is only one path that leads to life everlasting. And we do not seek just any kind of wisdom but we must desire to receive wisdom that comes from the Lord. The question for us today is “How to know God’s wisdom?”.

We can be guided by the verse written by James in his book saying “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”. With this, we will find that wisdom is from a motive and a heart that is first, pure. Wisdom in effect is peace-loving, considerate to others and willingness in  submission. It will bear fruit that is nothing but good, pleasing and perfect unto the will of God. As heavenly wisdom come from God, we will find that wisdom itself is a characteristic of God – impartial and sincere.
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Meriam Webster defined wisdom as having the ability to discern. Having wisdom, good judgement, discernment is very important and useful in all situations. It shows us how to act towards others, making the most of every opportunity. Admonishing each of us that in every conversation, we will be gracious, and our words always seasoned with salt.
 
For anyone who lacks wisdom, we are encouraged to ask from God and certainly it will be given to us. With heavenly wisdom as one of our foundations in transforming this nation through values, indeed we shall be overcomers and more than conquerors amidst our present circumstances. (Carol Donaal, CRFV)

In the mid-1800’s Charles Blondin, a tightrope walker was able to walk across Niagara Falls on a tightrope 160 feet above the water. He did it several times in front of large crowds, each time with a more daring display of courage – one in a sack, on a bicycle, in the dark, and once he even carried and cooked an omelet! At one time he asked his audience, “Do you believe I can carry a person across in this wheelbarrow?” The crowd enthusiastically shouted, “Yes, yes, yes.” He said, “Are you sure?” They said, “Yes. Absolutely, you are the greatest tightrope walker in the world. You can do anything!” Blondin then responded: “okay…get in the wheelbarrow …” As the story goes, no one trusted him enough to jump into the wheelbarrow!

Trust is an unwavering belief in someone or something. From a biblical perspective, trust means trusting God and not other things. “Some trust in their war chariots and others in their horses, but we trust in the power of the Lord our God”. Also, trusting is believing in the promises of God in all circumstances even in times of confusion and disappointments. For “we know that in all things God works for good with those who love him, those whom he has called according to his purpose”.

The book of Proverbs 3:5-6 sums up the scriptural teaching on trust. It says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Never rely on what you think you know. Remember the Lord in everything you do, and he will show you the right way.” The heart pertains to the entirety of a person. It includes the mind, emotions, and will. This means we are to entrust to God every decision, plan, and desire we have and do. “We make our plans, but God has the last words” . Also, He is our Lord or Master thus “not my will, but yours be done.”  Moreover, we are warned not to rely on ourselves because there is a way that appears to be right in our sight and understanding, but in the end, it leads to destruction or death. Rather, we are to consult the Lord in prayer for guidance and wisdom. God has promised He will show us the right way and He will. Consequently, never be in hurry but trust and wait upon God’s clear direction. The American gospel singer and composer Ira Sankey in his poem say,
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Simply trusting every day,
Trusting through a stormy way!
Even when my faith is small,
Trusting Jesus – that is all.  
 
(LM, CRFV)  

In less than a year, the Philippines will vote again. It is another opportunity to shape the future of this nation by selecting the leaders whom we assessed to be apt to the challenge to make genuine reforms that will contribute in making “Matatag, Maginhawa at Panatag na Buhay” a reality. For sure, we will hear lots of promises again from the aspirants or candidates during the campaign period. The big question is not just what they promise but also their commitment to fulfill it. Or will it be another confirmation of this famous line – “promises are meant to be broken”? How many of them would truly put their name and honor on the line for every word they utter in different platforms?
 
Time and again leaders would finish their terms with unfulfilled or empty promises. And somehow it becomes an acceptable practice as we see them get re-elected or appointed. It looks like we are not learning or probably the value of word of honor is slowly going down the drain. If that is the case, what else are we going to lose if the words of the leaders we choose cannot be trusted? We cannot afford to lose another year or two with the ongoing pandemic. The ongoing investigation on allegedly anomalous deals and other pandemic-related issues make us wonder what happened to the inspiring words full of conviction that were uttered to assure the Philippines of an honest and efficient delivery of services.  
 
This week’s value focus invites us to reflect where we are individually and collectively as a nation in terms of how we value word of honor. If keeping our words is important to each of us, this will be translated in the decisions and actions we take including the choices we make in the election. We can do our part as citizens of this nation by making word of honor the norm now. We can start by reflecting on our day-to-day conduct vis-à-vis the oath of office as officials and employees of the government. The same is true in the private sector. How much of those words we utter are we practicing to this day? This is important to emphasize because we cannot impute blame to our leaders if we ourselves are not true to our words.
 
It is easier said than done is an unavoidable fact. We sing our national anthem with the words “…ang mamatay nang dahil sa iyo”. But when we are faced with challenges, we tend to forget our vow to our beloved nation. It is not to accommodate excuses though that gives rise to lackadaisical attitude. Notwithstanding the factors that restrict us, we should continue to find ways to abide with our pledges.
 
Indeed, the value of word of honor has been and will always be relevant. We need leaders whose ‘yes’ is ‘yes’ and ‘no’ a ‘no’ for it is not just the name of the leader that is on the line but the nation and the future generations. (AOS, CRFV)

What does charity mean to you? At these times of adversity, people’s charity has been tested in many ways but this virtue has a deeper meaning than our common understanding that it is to provide help or raise funds for those who are in need. The scriptures tell us, “Little children, let us not love in word only, neither with the tongue only, but in deed and truth.” This verse did not say that we should not love in words or in tongues, but it tells us that when we love, it must be in words or in tongues, in deeds, and in truth.
 
Charity in Words or in Tongues
Charity should also be found in our words or tongues. It is contradictory to show your love to people but curse them or tell them words that are not pleasing before God. As it has been said, “out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.” If we speak harshly, negatively, and wickedly to other people, these reflect the contents of our hearts. If we do this, charity is not complete within us. That is why the Scriptures tell us to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.  We should always be reminded that, “It is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out of the mouth; this defiles a person.” 
 
Charity in Actions
Like what the Scripture emphasized, do not love with empty words because words without action are futile - nothing and have no effect. If we then say we love people, then it must follow that our actions show that we do. We cannot say, “I love you,” and then hurt the people intentionally, plan wickedly against them, or even think of their downfall. We cannot say we love the people, then just look at them suffering while we have the means to help them. This action is not in line with what the Scripture said, “Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is within your power to help them.”  As a leader, do not withhold the growth of your subordinates if it is within your power to develop and nourish them. As an employer, do not withhold the benefits nor hinder the welfare of the employees if they deserve it and it is within your power to do so. As parents in the family, do not withhold your genuine love to your children if you can abundantly show them and let them feel it.
 
Charity in Truth
In truth, charity is the highest form of love and this is exemplified by God’s love for us. Agape love or unconditional love is the kind of love that this patient, kind, does not envy, does not boast, and that is not proud. It is not rude, not self-seeking, not easily angered, and keeps no record of wrongs. It does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, trusts, hopes, and perseveres. This kind of love can be seen when people willingly give without expecting anything in return – not fame, nor accolades of people, not even acknowledgment because it is their delight to give it freely as they have received freely.
 
Charity in Words, in Actions, and in Truth
Charity in words, in actions, and in truth is that genuine love the people around really need. Like Jesus Christ, he did not seek his own fame or glory when he gave his life for the redemption of mankind. His sacrifice is the manifestation of his agape love for the people that they may find true life and life more abundantly; that they may be set free from the captivity of sin, hurts, and unforgiveness; that they may be healed from any infirmity; and that they may see the light, and go back to the perfect pleasing and good will of God.
 
Today, let us reflect if our charity to others is charity in words, in actions, and in truth – charity that is genuine, selfless, and glory-giving to our God and King. Let us turn back from our wicked ways, and resolve to be better, even in the aspect of charity. (CGLG, CRFV)