Loving WellSample

Measure

As a counselor for over 30 years, I have found some secrets to help people be able to transition and grow. These principles are helpful in any area of life, regardless of whether they have a goal of paying off debt, losing weight, getting training, or playing a musical instrument. Of course, you have to want to grow (motivation). You will then need to develop a path (strategy), and finally, you need to know if you are making progress (measurement). It’s best to do this last part, which I call accountability, with a person of the same gender. 

So far, we covered motivation (to be like Christ) and strategy (pick person or fruit). Now, let's talk about measurement and accountability. 

I never grow in an area faster than when I measure my progress toward a goal. For me personally, daily measurement is really important. If you choose a person to grow in love, you would keep notes on how you are doing. If you choose a fruit, you could keep daily tabs on when your release this fruit during your day.

As you measure, you get to see real progress. I also know that when I am accountable to someone, my growth in any area
greatly improves. I know I am going to either confess my faults (James 5:18) and learn why I am falling short or confess my wins for the day or week.

Although you can use anyone of the same gender for accountability, I like to find someone who is already strong or gifted in this area. That way, I not only get accountability; I can also expedite my growth by what they have learned already to grow in this same area.

If you choose a lifestyle of loving well and you are intentional with a strategy, consistent with your measurement, and honest with your accountability partner, you can grow expediently in any area you choose to grow in. I believe growing in our ability to love is one of the greatest gifts we give to the Father, ourselves, and others. 

To learn more about embracing the fruit of love, read the 7 Love Agreements.