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Pastor Joynt's Devotionals

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Questions Week 6 Day 2

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DAY 10

COLOSSIANS 3:12-14

Sensitivity and character change are marks of the Holy Spirit. So is a deeper way of looking at other people. The Spirit helps us to see people as God sees them. Rather than relating to others as competitors or rivals or enemies we see them as valuable in themselves, intrinsically worthy of our attention and respect, despite their flaws and foibles.

God wants us to see the places of struggle in one another’s lives, so our understanding can make our responses free and gracious. Why is your friend angry and defensive? Why is your family member bored and disengaged? Why is your coworker fearful? Understanding and empathy are powerful tools that can change our relationships. Instead of the people in our circle sensing we are out to “fix them,” they sense we are their allies, even when the difficulties in their personalities are prominent.

Look at someone in your life in a new and deeper way today. Pray for that person.

FAMILY TIME—

Go around the family and have everyone share one word to describe each person.

See how many different descriptions emerge.

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Tags: empathy, understanding
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Questions Week 6 Day 1

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DAY 9

GALATIANS 5:22

Sensitivity is important, because if we don’t feel grieved by things that are unfair or offensive, we become hardened and callous. But sensitivity is not character. Character is a matter of settled disposition, or habits, that consistently shape our decision, actions, and attitudes. Our Galatians passage describes the exciting reality that rightful reactions can become permanent features of our personalities. We actually change and become new people whose characters are more like Christ. The Holy Spirit is given to help us become new people.

Which characteristic fruit do you long for most? Which one, if acquired, would change your life the most?

Pray for a new fruit to grow in the garden of your soul.

FAMILY TIME—

Read through our list of “fruits.”

Which one is hardest for you?

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Tags: fruit of the sprit

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