Read over the qualities of life in the Spirit listed in (Galatians) 5:22-23. Do these characterize your life?

For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision is of any avail, but faith working through love.

~Galatians 5:6

 

This is what it says in Galatians 5:22-23:

 

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such there is no law.
 

I woulds say that I do possesss all of these qualities in which some probably do need to be worked on more then possibly others, such as patience and self-control.



The early Christians went in two directions. Some, like the people in Galatia, became obsessed with legalism. Others took their Christian freedom too far: They refused to follow anyone's rules. Which is the greater danger in your circle?

but now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and beggarly elemental spirits, whose slaves you want to be once more?

~Galatians 4:9

 

I have a feeling that my circle is in more danger of being more obsessed with legalism.  There are people that say, "This is the way it always has been done and this is how it will remain."  I will also not deny that some have probably taken their religious freedoma tab too far by bringing some possible undesireable issues into the church.

What is the most "unfair" thing that has ever happened to you? How did it affect the way you thought about God?

How forceful are honest words!
But what does reproof from you reprove?

~Job 6:25

 

First of all, I have never let something get to me that it would make me think less of God.  The most unfair thing that has probably happened to me, and luckily it was mostly resolved, was that through my undergrad education, I had some professors that thought, because of my disability, that I didn't deserve to complete what I wanted to accomplish in life.

Whom do you speak up for? For what group would you risk your life or your reputation?

I not only stick up for myself, but for family and close friends as well.  Many people who are from the previous sentence are also in the groups I have been a part of.

Have you ever been wrongly accused of something? How did you react to your accusers?

I repeat, let no one think me foolish; but even if you do, accept me as a fool, so that I too may boast a little.

~II Corinthians 11:16

 

Sure I have.  And usually my reaction towards those people is either shock, suprise or dismay.

Compare Paul's appeal for funds with those you see in the mall and in the media. Is there a different emphasis?

Each one must do as he has made up his mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

~II Corinthians 9:7

 

yes because one wants you to spend money on material things and the others wants you to give money to charitabe things.

Have you ever experience a tear ina relationship like the one described here? How have you found healing?

For I made up my mind not to make you another painful visit.

~II Corinthians 2:1

 

It feels like I have been a part of many tears in a relationship.  How am I healing from them?  I'm still in the middle of that process, but it's either through prayer or by keeping busy.