THE XP: RELEASE... THE "WHY" FACTOR

CONTENT POST #1: READING THE BIBLE

 

But what happens when we live God's way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard -- things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct out energies wisely. Legalism is helpless in bringing this about; it only gets in the way. Among those who belong to Christ, everything connected with getting our own way and mindlessly responding to what everyone else calls necessities is killed off for good -- crucified. Since this is the kind of life we have chosen, the life of the Spirit, let us make sure that we do not just hold it as an idea in our heads or a sentiment in our hearts, but work out its implications in every detail of our lives. That means we will not compare ourselves with each other as if one of us were better and another worse. We have far more interesting things to do with our lives. Each of us is an original (Galatians 5: 22-26 MSG).

 

Before you answer the questions, remember that doing this isn't just a checklist. It isn't just something you have to do. Start by asking God to reveal something to you. Put your focus and motivation to read and answer the questions on God.

 

Now read back through the passage again and ask yourself:

• What does this passage show me about God?
• What does this passage show me about who I am, how I think, how I'm made?
• What does this passage show me about loving other people?
• How can I do what these verses are challenging me to do in a way that shows people that I love them and also lets people see how much God loves them?

CONTENT POST #2: SERVING

In what areas are you currently serving at church, in your neighborhood, at home or at your school?

What exactly do you do?

If you aren't serving, is there anything you've thought about doing?

If you are serving, what are some "good things" that have come from that area of service? What are some of the challenges of serving in that area?

Have you ever wanted to give up serving? Why or why not?

How would what you do change if you approached it as a way to show people God loves them?

How would what you do change if you approached it as a way to show people you love them?

CONTENT POST #3: PRAYER

Is prayer something that is a part of your life?

If so, when you pray, are there certain things that you pray about regularly?

How much of the things that you talk with God about have the words "I" or "me" in them?

What are some ways that you could shift the focus off yourself and onto others when you pray?

How could praying for other people be a way that you love others?

Not only can praying help you to love others, but also it can help you to love God. What can you do in prayer to show God you love Him?

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