Read James 3:13-18, 1 Corinthians 1:22-24

At the center of all true wisdom stands the cross. The world sees it as weakness, but for those who believe, it is the power and wisdom of God. In the cross, Jesus turned the logic of the world upside down—strength through surrender, life through death, victory through love. That’s what James is pointing toward: the wisdom from above always looks like Jesus.

If you want to understand heavenly wisdom, look at the cross. There you see humility instead of pride, forgiveness instead of vengeance, peace instead of retaliation, and self-giving love instead of self-protection. Every choice to live that way is an echo of Calvary.

When your faith is shaped by the cross, you stop chasing earthly recognition and start living for eternal reward. You begin to measure wisdom not by what benefits you, but by what blesses others and glorifies God. The wisdom of the cross invites you to live with open hands, trusting that resurrection always follows surrender.

This is faith in action: choosing to follow the way of the cross—the way of Jesus—every day, even when it costs you something. Because that’s where true wisdom and lasting joy are found.

Reflection Questions:

• In 1 Corinthians 1:24, why does Paul call Jesus “the wisdom of God”?
  
• How does the cross redefine what true wisdom looks like?
  
• What would it mean for your decisions to reflect the wisdom of the cross?
  
• How does surrender lead to real strength in your life?

Journaling Prompt:

Take time to meditate on the cross. Write about what Jesus’ example teaches you about humility, obedience, and love that leads to life.