Character
Studies exploring
the lifelong process
of growing in godly character
as He transforms
our thoughts, choices,
attitudes, and actions
Have you ever withheld service because the would-be recipient seems unworthy or unrepentant? We challenge mindsets that might contribute to this attitude, in light of Jesus’s example.
Our willingness is overlook offenses is a huge step in loving others (and serving them) well. Is it easy? Nope. Is it necessary? Absolutely.
When we develop eyes to see others as God sees them, we will look past their flaws to remember that they are children of God who are still worthy of our service, and that their weaknesses also come with inherent strengths.
Perfectionism is a barrier to joyful, sustained service. We’ll discuss the difference between perfectionism and pursuing excellence, three sinful attitudes that lead to perfectionism, and the spiritual antidotes for these attitudes.
As Christians, we are mandated to serve others. Not sure where to start? This week’s study is a “how to” on getting started coordinating service for your family and congregation and how to avoid common barriers and hangups.
This week’s study compells us to follow Jesus' example in the words He speaks about us, His younger brothers and sisters.
When we speak of taming the tongue, we often focus on how we shouldn’t be using our tongues, but this week we examine how we should be using words, shifting the conversation away from basic self-control into truly speaking words of life.
Matthew 5:16 tells us that we should let our lights shine so that others will see our good works and glorify God. What does that look like in practical terms?
Leading up to Pentecost, we consider how God’s Spirit produces growth in Christians. Can times of wasteland actually be an incubator for the spiritual wonder God is quietly moving us towards?
This week we examine three ways the Holy Spirit transformed people in the New Testament: a softening, a radical life change, and an amplification of one’s existing strengths to better align with God’s purpose.
Just as the Israelites were hesitant to leave slavery in Egypt, we can delay making positive life changes because we’re afraid to create a void. In this study we meditate on God’s promise to the Israelites that He would not send them out empty.
“Footwashing” and “hospitality” are two words that should be very familiar to Christians…but have you ever connected them together? This week’s study will forever link these two concepts in your mind.
In this week’s study we reflect on where we get our sense of self-worth: Are we looking to God for it, or are we trying to create it in the ways the world does?
How should a Christian respond to God’s gift of grace? The type of obedience God is looking for has little to do with rote compliance and everything to do with transformation.
This week we begin exploring the rich topic of grace. What do the opposite human struggles of self-righteousness and low self-worth have in common? (Hint: The antidote to both is the same.)
All humans bring both strengths and weaknesses to the table, and our marriages are so much better off when we focus on our spouse’s positive contributions rather than fixating on reasons to criticize.
Marriage is so much bigger than this person you live with daily…it’s a type of the relationship that Christ has with the Church. We are called to sacrificial love and oneness and the payoff of a God-driven marriage has timeless implications for all involved.
Unconscious overclaiming is a tendency to overestimate your own contributions, skills, or knowledge in comparison to that of others, and it’s a total joy-killer. Are you ever guilty of this? Do you know the antidote?
Do you find yourself getting through life by just gritting it out? In week three of our Joy series, we look at a lack of joy as an indicator that our spiritual life is in need of attention.
In Part 2 of our Joy Series, we discuss joy as a fruit of the Spirit—as opposed to the human idea of joy, which is a fleeting emotion. What is the foundation for experiencing this deeply-rooted, lasting joy?
How might the practice of joy vary among believers? Guests Max and Tara discuss how they intentionally prepare for joy, Kathleen shares some joy-killers she’s observed, and Ferrell adds some of her daily practices for choosing joy.
The Bible has a ton to say about how we speak. This week we'll focus on the things we should not do—specifically gossip and slander. We outline three types of behavior that can be incredibly damaging, and the Biblical antidote to them.