Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth. 

                                                                                                                   James 3:13-14 

It’s a place that we should all desire to go. I certainly hope that I’m getting to this place. It’s called spiritual maturing. I hesitate to use the phrase “spiritual maturity” because it has the potential to paint a picture of somehow arriving at a place in which there is no more to learn and no more opportunities to grow. I don’t believe we ever completely arrive in our spiritual lives as long as we are on this earth however we should be maturing. It is a process and it is the topic of today’s passage.

How do we know that we are maturing spiritually? First, James says that if we consider ourselves mature, “let him show by his good behavior.” “Good behavior” is a broad term and could encompass a number of observable qualities. However, I believe that we can summarize good behavior by examining the way that we treat others. Here are three biblical truths regarding this kind of good behavior:

In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets.

                                                                                                                   Matthew 7:12 

Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.

                                                                                                               Philippians 2:3-4 

Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law. For this, “You shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, You shall not steal, You shall not covet,” and if there is any other commandment, it is summed up in this saying, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.

                                                                                                                 Romans 13:8-10 

A spiritually maturing believer will treat others the way that they would like to be treated. Maturing believers will regard others as more important than themselves. And maturing believers will love with the understanding that loving others is the fulfillment of the Law of God. It would be difficult to treat others poorly and still claim that we were exemplifying good behavior. And it would be equally difficult to mistreat others and claim spiritual maturing at the same time. We should be extremely concerned about how we are engaging other human beings understanding that God loves them and desires for them to come to the knowledge of salvation as well (1 Timothy 2:4).

But James is not through. Along with good behavior, the “wise and understanding” Christian should have a spirit of gentleness. This word carries with it the idea of being kind, tender, and mild-mannered. Of course this is contrary to the message of the world. It tells us to be the strongest, the loudest, the wealthiest, and the most powerful. These are the traits that the world looks to in order to identify success. But James reminds us that the spiritually maturing believer is to be gentle. Here are three biblical truths regarding this trait:

Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I (Jesus) am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

                                                                                                                   Matthew 11:29 

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.                                                                                                           

                                                                                                     Galatians 5:22-23 

…but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence;

                                                                                                                     1 Peter 3:15 

Jesus describes Himself as gentle. If we are to ever take seriously the notion that we are being “Christ-like”, we must possess a spirit of gentleness. And if Jesus describes Himself in these terms, it would only seem logical that the Spirit of God would follow suit. As we read through the list of “fruit” that will emanate from the life of a true, spirit-filled believer, we see gentleness as one of those characteristics. And since Jesus is gentle and the presence of the Spirit of God produces gentleness, we should then consider Peter’s declaration that engaging the world with the gospel should also be done in a spirit of gentleness.

The way we treat others and the measure of gentleness in our hearts, attitudes, and lives is a big part of determining whether or not we are maturing spiritually. We should do some soul searching regarding our own spiritual growth and make the necessary adjustments. Then and only then will we be able to more effectively present the gospel to those who need to hear the message of the good news of Jesus!