C. STRENGTHENING CHARACTER

Christopher has been a Christian leader in a local church in a southern town in the United States. He helped lead the core team in a church. He recently ran into a conflict with his fellow elders. He found himself acting like a child who could not get his way. He took the criticisms personally and began to villainize his fellow teammates. He was angry and wanted to leave this group of fellow believers. He found himself facing his selfishness and emotional immaturity. He wanted to know what he could do to be more loving.

We looked together at this passage in Romans 12:9-21(NIV):

⁹ Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. ¹⁰ Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.¹¹ Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. ¹² Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. ¹³ Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. ¹⁴ Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. ¹⁵ Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. ¹⁶ Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. ¹⁷ Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. ¹⁸ If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. ¹⁹ Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. ²⁰ On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” ²¹ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

1. Of the items in this passage, which one stands out to you today?

2. Describe why you picked that area.

3. How would you explain, in other words, this area?

4. How are you doing in living out of this area?

5. What would you like to see changed in this quality?

1. How would you go about that change?

2. What would be some practical steps you can take?

3. When would you like to get started on this area?

4. How can I be of help in following up on how you did?

1. What is the most important part of this lesson to you? Explain.

2. How do you see applying aspects of this lesson to your life?

3. When do you feel would be the best time to make that application?

4. What do you hear the Lord speaking to you about this right now?