Character: A Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation

Another gift to the Christian's character is introduced in Ephesians 1:17 as a prayer request by Paul for the saints at Ephesus:

I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father
most glorious, would give you a spirit of wisdom and
revelation through knowing Christ fully. (Ephesians 1:17)

Character developed upon personal knowledge of Christ will be infused with a spirit of wisdom and revelation.  Christ demonstrated this spirit in all of His human interactions.  He saw, listened and comprehended from His Father's viewpoint.  Jesus looked beyond the circumstances presented by those who came to Him and focused on their spiritual needs.  He was firmly identified with His Father's interests in individuals--and a character built on Him will evidence that same association.

We are called to be Ambassadors for Christ.  Our natural reactions to those we encounter--whether sweet compassion or abrasive frustration--should never be the source which motivates us to action.  We are not to be amateur Providences and change people's lives according to our plans. God's ways are not our own; He has measured the weight He puts upon every person.  What may seem excessive and unfair from the human perspective may be just the weight needed to save their eternal soul.  Alternatively what may appear to be tremendous blessing in a person's life may be a curse blinding them to their need for Jesus.   As Christ's Ambassador we need to share the reason for the hope with which we live and allow Him to guide in every interaction!

We need His Spirit to give us deep understanding of situations and the Truths of God which will speak to hearts.  We are given discernment to intercede for others--never to judge them.  The wisdom of God is pure, peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere (James 3:17).  As we listen to the hearts of others through the Spirit, He will give us words that encourage others and reveal His beauty.  He may impress upon our hearts the need to provide direct help or He may simply burden us to pray and love.  As we heed His guidance, we will learn more about Him ourselves and grow ever closer to His likeness!  Might we each increasingly embrace the Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation He offers so freely!