Yes, No, And MaybeSample

It’s important to remember—they are called fruit of the Spirit, not fruit of the flesh. We weren’t meant to live this life apart from Christ or His Spirit. The progress we make is through His power. The more we say yes to God and no to self, the more we will look like our Father. Living in His image will become second nature. You can choose

• Love –regardless of others’ race, religion, ethnicity, gender, socio-economic status, or any other factor. Rather than standing in judgment or criticism when a person is in need, yield to love, because it’s what your Father would do, and you are created in His image.
• Joy—when the bank account is drained, the child leaves home, or the doctor calls and says, “I’m sorry; it’s cancer.” Rather than despairing over your circumstances, pray and ask God to help you find something joyful on which to affix your gaze, because it’s what your Father would do, and you are created in His image.
• Peace with God—When He chooses not to heal, when a coworker points the finger at you when her mistake is discovered, when your marriage is in trouble… again. Rather than remaining mad or planning retaliation, choose peace, because it’s what your Father would do, and you are created in His image.
• Patience—when the peeling of the layers seems to be taking too long, the expected apology never comes, or things don’t turn out as planned. Rather than huffing and puffing, display patience, because it’s what your Father would do, and you are created in His image.
• Kindness—when others ignore the homeless and outcast. Rather than hoarding what you have, share from your bounty, because it’s what your Father would do, and you are created in His image.
• Goodness—when you cancel the movie channels from your cable provider and throw out all your secular fiction books that normalize ungodly behavior. Rather than flirting with the line of purity of mind, body, soul, and spirit, boldly stand on the right side, because it’s what your Father would do, and you are created in His image.
• Faithfulness—when your friend fails to call you back or respond quickly enough to a text message. Rather than believing the worst, determine to believe the best, because it’s what your Father would do, and you are created in His image.
• Gentleness—as the promotion is given to someone else, another person is living your dream, or you have an opportunity to assert your rightness. Rather than making yourself known, step back quietly to make God known, because it’s what your Father would do, and you are created in His image.
• Self-control—the moment you are given the opportunity to satisfy your own needs and wants or to have your own way. Rather than being selfish, act in a selfless way, because it’s what your Father would do, and you are created in His image.

Seems like a lot of work, doesn’t it? Maybe you are asking yourself: Does all this really matter? Will it really make a difference in my life? Is it worth the investment?
 

Before you know it, people will begin to notice a difference in you. Your disposition will be cheerful, your heart will be happy, and your choices will be God-centered rather than self-centered. You’ll realize that saying no to self is a great way to live, and the longing to look like God will become greater within you.

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