<p> </p><p><span style="color: #000000;">What’s the Right Way To Handle This?</span></p><p><span style="color: #000000;">ERICA WIGGENHORN</span></p><p><span style="color: #000000;">Lee en español</span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: #000000;">“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” James 1:5 (ESV)</span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: #000000;">As I listened to someone speak hurtful words to me, I found myself rubbing the cross necklace hanging from my neck. I simultaneously gazed at the canvas bracelet around my wrist and read the words “What Would Jesus Do?” With emotions swirling and my gut tightening, all I kept thinking was, What is the right way to answer?</span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: #000000;">Should I simply apologize or try to defend myself? Was my own frustration even justified? Should I turn the other cheek or set a firm boundary? I wished Jesus would miraculously show up and hand me a script of what to say.</span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: #000000;">How often do we face situations in life where we can’t quite pinpoint the “right way” to respond?</span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: #000000;">Difficult family dynamics, financial stresses, parenting choices, church conflicts, relational decisions … so many areas where we wish we had immediate access to God’s wisdom to apply to our situation.</span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: #000000;">Lord, give me wisdom, please! I silently prayed as the hurtful words continued.</span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: #000000;">In that moment, I took great comfort in the kindness and faithfulness of God in His Word. He has promised to give wisdom when we ask for it — and not just a smidge of good thoughts but a generous amount of true understanding.</span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: #000000;">“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him” (James 1:5).</span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: #000000;">God promises to give us wisdom “without reproach,” meaning without scolding or blaming us for needing His continued guidance and strength. In difficult relationships or circumstances, I often find myself playing the same shame song: When are you going to learn how to handle this differently? Instead, God invites us to come to Him and say, Lord, show me a better way!</span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: #000000;">This promise invites moment-by-moment intimacy with God. He will give us all the wisdom we need in every situation. He promises that in the middle of a difficult conversation or when a decision must be made, we can turn to Him to supply the wisdom we lack.</span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: #000000;">My hard conversation did not result in immediate resolution. And that's OK. Rather than precise words or actions, I most needed a reminder that God knew the truth and He was my ultimate defender. After my cry for wisdom, I realized silence in the moment remained the best course of action.</span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: #000000;">Friend, we all have questions in our lives requiring wisdom. When we don’t know what to do … when we wonder what to say … let’s go get the answers we are seeking in God's Word. The book of James is a great place to start. This practical letter in Scripture assures us that God hears and answers us when our hearts need help to respond well. </span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: #000000;">Dear Jesus, I have so many questions about how to handle relationships and situations. Thank You for Your promise to give me wisdom generously when I ask You for it. Help me to go to You and Your Word first for the answers I seek. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. </span></p><p> </p>
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