"Bit by Bit"

No progress in the Christian life comes by accident -- it comes by design. The apostle Peter informed us that we must “make every effort to add to faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love.” Like Paul, Peter believed that the highest attribute to be developed is love. And we become great lovers one building block at a time -- add to this ... add to this ... add to this.

As we have been studying Paul’s love chapter, we have been confronted with many deficiencies in our loving. The assignment this week is the same as last: pick one or two building blocks to place in the wall of the spiritual house you are constructing.

• Are the irrational and disruptive comments of your 7th grade students making you irritable?
• Do the weak communication skills of your husband feel unbearable?
• Is your child’s unwillingness to help around the house pushing you toward an explosion?
• Does your spouse exasperate you because it feels like you give way more than you receive?
• Do you find yourself becoming jealous of the time your wife spends with her friends?
• Do you hope that a former employee who deserted you to start a similar business will fail?
• Do you find it difficult to forgive the coolness of your best friend?
• Do you find yourself becoming impatient with everyone near the end of the day?

As God reveals to you the deficiencies in your love, ask Him to direct you to one or two responses that you would like to work on. This is a process. You will certainly stumble as you learn new ways to respond. Old habits don’t die easily!

Next Prayer/Potluck: March 12, Curt & Jolene Kreps, 6:00 P.M.