“Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” When we hear this challenge from Jesus it is natural to think that God is displeased when we make mistakes. Yet fear of mistakes leads us to excuse, blame, and hide. Instead, when we know God’s perfect love for us first, we are able to love ourselves and others even when we mess up.

James has strong words to say about real faith. How can believers know if their own faith or the faith of others is genuine? Answer: If it produces good deeds. REAL faith in Christ compels us to meet needs in our communities. If our hearts have turned cold to the needs of others- it’s time for a reality check.

Humility is not having a low opinion of yourself, it is have a right perspective of yourself. James says a lack of humility leads to jealousy, fighting, self-dependence, and selfishness. But when we see ourselves correctly in light of who Jesus is we demonstrate true humility which is marked by love.

Real wisdom could not be more different than the wisdom we receive from worldly sources. The wisdom of the world is always self serving, and it always leads to disorder and evil of every kind. REAL wisdom is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. This kind of wisdom from above is available to all believers. All we need to do is ask our gracious God for it.

Love is more than a feeling, it is a decision to act in the good of another. James challenges us that we cannot say we love God if we use our words to harm others. Real love is measured by how we use our words, either to harm or to help. As we take stock of that, the real condition of our heart will become clear.

When we experience a break in relationship it is easy to go either go on the offensive or defensive, but either option leaves us more estranged. Jesus has given us the ministry of reconciliation, meaning it is His mission to restore and renew broken relationships of all kinds. As we learn to leave or corners and step in towards one another we can live the message of reconciliation we have been called to share with the world.

When it comes to judging we often feel like we are left with only two choices: a punitive approach that leads to canceling and vengeance or a permissive approach that makes excuses and lets people off the hook. Yet as followers of Jesus it is our responsibility to discern between right and wrong both individually and communally. Redemptive judgment requires responsibility, offers compassion, and results in redemption.

Division can be seen in all areas of society, including the Church. Sadly, many of us have become “lazy listeners,” seeking to be right more than we are seeking to be righteous. Listening well can help us build bridges in order to step in towards one another in love.

In a world where disagreement leads to division it is imperative that followers of Jesus learn a different way. Paul’s words to the church in Rome help us navigate disputable matters by showing us that agreement is not required for acceptance. When we learn to step in towards one another we can move from contempt and judgment to unity and hope.

Too often we think that God only does big things through extraordinary people with extraordinary gifts. But Peter shows us that Jesus takes ordinary people in everyday situations and is able to do amazing things through them. It is being in the presence Jesus that set Peter apart and transformed his life, and it is the same for us.