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good barometer to see how my Christian life measures up to what God said it should be is 1 Corinthians 13, especially verses 4-7.
Some questions I can ask myself are these.
1. Does my love suffer long with others? Am I patient?
2. Do I let provocation from others control me? Do I react as they act?
3. Am I slow to anger?
4. Am I willing to put up with a great deal of irritation brought on by others?
5. Can I endure criticism and untruth with grace and mercy?
6. Do I have poise under fire?
7. When undergoing a great trial, do I give in to despondency?
8. Do I show kindness towards others? Do I take the initiative to do good things for them even when undeserved?
9. Do I show mercy to others? In the book of James we read that mercy triumphs over judgment.
10. Am I harboring bitterness, wrath, or anger in my heart towards others?
11. Am I tenderhearted towards others?
12. Am I willing to forgive others even as God in Christ forgave me?
13. Do I rejoice at the success of others?
14. Do I delight when others are honored or esteemed?
15. Do I envy others because of their success, beauty, wealth, or talent?
16. Do I deliberately detract from others and in doing so, try to make myself look better?
17. Do I want others to be envious of me?
18. Do I climb over others at their expense to propel myself to the top?
19. Do I show graciousness towards others?
20. Do I forget self and give honor to others?
21. Do I demand to have my own way?
22. Do I put selfish interests before others?
23. Do I insist on my own rights?
24. Am I self-serving?
25. Am I possessive, demanding or obstinate?
This is a very hard-hitting list but one that I want to face head on and see what work God wants to do in my heart, mind, and spirit. What do I need to repent of? What actions can I take to correct and alter my course where I have failed.
Lord, help us not to fear reality but to face it head on knowing that you are willing to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Give us a willing heart to answer these questions truthfully and let You do a great work within us.
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