Dear COA Family,

As we embark on our sermon series on the Book of James, one of
the key themes that emerges is the need for wisdom in our daily
living. This fits well with our church theme for the year:
True and Wise Living.

At the outset of the letter, James reminds us that wisdom is a gift
from God. It is not something we can simply produce through our
own efforts or experience.

“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously
to all without reproach, and it will be given him” (James 1:5).

We learn that God desires to grant us wisdom so that we may live
fruitful and godly lives, demonstrating that we are truly Christ’s
disciples and bringing glory to Him. We need wisdom to navigate
the complexities of life while remaining faithful, holy and untainted
by the world.

Yet we often overlook the context in which James gives this promise
of wisdom. It is found in a passage about trials and suffering. God
promises wisdom particularly in times of difficulty because it is
during such seasons that we most need His guidance and counsel.

Just this week, a church member asked me during a youth Bible
study, “How do we know when to embrace suffering and when to
avoid it?” She asked this because of our discussion that some trials
are permitted by God for our growth, while other forms of suffering
may arise from sinful human actions or the work of the evil one.

My response was that the Holy Spirit grants us the wisdom to
discern the difference. Such discernment is important because
God does not call us to endure every form of suffering
indiscriminately. We need wisdom to recognise what is from God
and what is not, so that our faith and well-being are not harmed
by unnecessary or destructive situations.

For example, Scripture advises us, “Do not make friends with a
hot-tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered”
(Proverbs 22:24–25). God does not call us to place ourselves
needlessly in situations that may lead us into sin or cause
avoidable harm.

Likewise, we are called to stand for justice where it is lacking.
The prophet Micah reminds us that the Lord requires us “to act
justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God”
(Micah 6:8). We are called to uphold the dignity of those who
are oppressed and to seek what is right in God’s sight.

The wonderful promise of James is that when we ask God in faith,
He will generously grant us the wisdom we need to know the
difference. May we continue to seek the Lord’s wisdom in every
circumstance and trust Him to guide us in the path of true and
wise living.

God bless,
Revd Ian