How do you sign your letters? Formal letters often end with a “sincerely yours.” Lover’s letters might end with x’s and o’s for hugs and kisses. Paul is coming to the end of Romans. He has commended Phoebe, his fellow worker and asked she be received well. He has sent greetings. Before the final signature he adds this one more encouragement, kind of like a “sincerely” comment.
“19 Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I rejoice because of you; but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil.” (Romans 16:19)
Paul encourages us to be wise about what is good and innocent about evil. That feels dissonant with our culture today as I scroll through the movies available covering stories from angels and the heavenlies to zombies and our worst nightmare. We can dabble in almost any topic we want and focus our minds and hearts in any direction. So if we were to be wise in what is good, what would we focus on? James 3:17-18 tells us,
17 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. 18 Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.
Pick one of those adjectives that describe wisdom from heaven and ponder what it might look like in your life today and then pray about it. Lord, help me be “considerate” and realize others carry burdens of grief also and may need a smile! Blessings.
On the Way to Wonder 