14. But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.
15. This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.
16. For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.
17. 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.
18. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.To discern between the wisdom that is from above and the wisdom that is earthly, sensual, (of the five senses rather than the Holy Spirit) and devilish, we might weigh it in light of this passage of scripture.James tells us that true wisdom from God above is first pure, not mixed with man's corruptions, which of course is important but beyond that James emphasizes that it is not merely is what is said that is important to discern but also the manner in which the teaching is delivered: If the wisdom is from above then along with being pure, it is peaceable and gentle and easy to be intreated which means that others are able to approach the teacher with questions or comments and not have their head bitten off or be made to feel inferior or stupid or out and out abused. It is not condescending or derogatory or disdainful of others. Most of us at the Doves have been enjoying the peaceable exchange of ideas in this way.Putting the theological debate aside for the moment, regardless of what the issue of doctrine being discussed is, I wish to address the manner in which this person is being treated. While discernment of doctrine is important, nevertheless we are not appointed to be one another's judge as James also points out:James 4:
6. But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.
11. Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge.
12. There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another?Are we to discern doctrine? Of course, but as John points out in his introduction to the letters:"Please note that it is impossible for even two like-minded souls to agree on everything. You should read these letters with this in mind and pray for understanding from the Spirit of Truth. Thank you."I believe that we can carry on in the Spirit of love and truth and love one another without attacking and acting like anyone who disagrees with us on anything is an enemy. If anyone is not able to accept this then I for one would not miss that person's posts or "wisdom".That's my opinion,Barry Amundsen