Grief Bites: A New Approach to Growing Through GriefSample

Something I have noticed about Christians who go through grief is they become super dynamic as they allow God to mold their hearts throughout their grief experience.

1. They live a life of LOVE- they extravagantly love God & others.
2. They place themselves under authority and wise counsel- they respect & honor God, their parents/in-laws, government, & employer.
3. They actively and purposely develop the fruits of the Spirit into their lives--LOVE, JOY, PEACE, PATIENCE, KINDNESS, GOODNESS, FAITHFULNESS, GENTLENESS, & SELF-CONTROL.
4. They are sensitive to the heart of God--what brings God joy will bring a Christian joy..and what breaks God's heart will break a Christ follower's heart.
5. They approach life, and others, with an eternal perspective--they desire to love and build God's kingdom and they desire to love, encourage, and build others up.
6. They live a life of PEACE-- they strive to have harmony in all their relationships, families, marriage, and homes. They don't take revenge. They do good to others.
7. They strive to live lives of faithfulness...and are GIVERS, not takers ...in their marriage, parenting, families, relationships, homes, business, and finances.
8. They have a heart for the less fortunate and hurting. They actively minister to widows, orphans, the fatherless, the grieving, poor, and the struggling.
9. They have a heart for evangelism and missions. They love what God has done so much in their own life that they desire to share their testimony and faith with others.
10. They live a life of FAITH and HOPE--they understand that life on earth is not the final destination. Hardships strengthen their faith and hope. Trials refine them and sharpen them for God's use and ultimate purpose. They live out their life purpose with joy.
11. They live a life of service. They seek ways to be an asset to others instead of a liability. They look for ways to bless others. They are more than willing to roll up their sleeves to help God, their family, friends, church, and others.
12. They seek to live a life of WISDOM and refrain from living a life of foolishness. They give God complete access and “say-so” in their life and life choices.
13. They live a life of self control instead of self indulgence. They seek to live morally, ethically, and responsibly, and have a conscience about how best to carry out God's purpose for their life. They understand boundaries and implement wise ones.
14. They live life on God's schedule instead of their own schedule. They seek to develop and establish a wise schedule that maintains harmony in their home, church, school, and workplace. Since they understand how precious time truly is, they wisely redeem the time God entrusts to them.
15. They respect and implement COMMUNITY--They "do life" with others. They take time to enjoy God, life, family, friends, loved ones, church, as well as each moment God blesses them with...in the good times and the bad. They rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those who mourn. They see the miracle life is and God's hand in every moment. They seek to establish strong families, marriages, churches, friendships, mentorships, and communities. Those who grieve have a powerful ability to love God, love others, and change the world.
What have you learned through your grief? I'm telling you, grief is one of the most powerful teachers you can learn life lessons from.