But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. partiality: or, wrangling - James 3:17
You can be sure that when our attitudes and words create strife, confusion, and division, it is not the wisdom of God. Where wise men and women worship, there is love, peace, and unity.
The wisdom which is from God is pure! When the heart entertains pure and good thoughts of others, the mouth speaks accordingly.
It is peaceable. “If it be possible, as much as in you lieth, live peaceably with all men.” Men who desire peace, speak peacefully.
It is gentle, mild, courteous, and patient. To contend for truth is not to be harsh and cruel as some suppose. Gentleness is the fruit of the Spirit, an attribute of Christ and also of his servants.
It is easy to be entreated or willing to listen to any word of wisdom, reason, and explanation; and it is quick to forgive. A forgiving heart is not a sign of weakness but of wisdom.
It is full of mercy and good fruits. Wisdom knows that God makes men to differ. He makes rich and poor, strong and weak. So there is always the desire to share what God has given with those who have less.
It is without partiality. Wisdom does not judge by outward appearance, skin color, or power to reimburse. It is no respecter of men’s persons, but reaches out to all.
It is without hypocrisy. True spiritual wisdom in Christ is straightforward, open-faced, and genuine. How can anyone be so foolish as to play the game of religion before God, who searches and knows the heart?
“Keep thine heart, for out of it are the issues of life.”
About Henry Mahan
Henry T. Mahan was born in Birmingham, Alabama in August 1926. He joined the United States Navy in 1944 and served as a signalman on an L.S.T. in the Pacific during World War II. In 1946, he married his wife Doris, and the Lord blessed them with four children.
At the age of 21, he entered the pastoral ministry and gained broad experience as a pastor, teacher, conference speaker, and evangelist. In 1950, through the preaching of evangelist Rolfe Barnard, God was pleased to establish Henry in sovereign free grace teaching. At that time, he was serving as an assistant pastor at Pollard Baptist Church (off of Blackburn ave.) in Ashland, Kentucky.
In 1955, Thirteenth Street Baptist Church was formed in Ashland, Kentucky, and Henry was called to be its pastor. He faithfully served that congregation for more than 50 years, continuing in the same message throughout his ministry. His preaching was centered on the Lord Jesus Christ and Him crucified, in full accord with the Scriptures. He consistently proclaimed God’s sovereign purpose in salvation and the glory of Christ in redeeming sinners through His blood and righteousness.
Henry T. Mahan also traveled widely, preaching in conferences and churches across the United States and beyond. His ministry was marked by a clear and unwavering emphasis on Christ, not the preacher, but the One preached. Those who heard him recognized that his sermons honored the Savior and exalted the name of the Lord Jesus Christ above all.
Henry T. Mahan served as pastor and teacher of Thirteenth Street Baptist Church in Ashland, Kentucky for over half a century. His life and ministry were devoted to proclaiming the sovereign grace of God and directing sinners to the finished work of Christ. He entered into the presence of the Lord in 2019, leaving behind a lasting testimony to the gospel he faithfully preached.
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