Christlike Virtues

- To live a life worthy of the calling we have received and to cultivate unity among the Body of Christ, we must embrace these virtues: humility, gentleness, patience, and love. Imitate Christ! He is humble, gentle, patient, and loving. All these virtues reflect the character of Christ. These virtues can be produced consistently only by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

- Be completely humble. Be teachable. Submit to the will of God. "Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ." (Ephesians 5:21) Acknowledge God in all your ways (Proverbs 3:6a). Don't be arrogant or prideful. Be willing to perform menial but necessary tasks. Have a servant's heart. Put others above selves. No boasting/bragging.

- Be gentle/meek. Sweet-tempered. Tender spirit. Not harsh or aggressive or violent or overbearing or oppressive. Respond and react to unpleasant, rude people with graciousness. Power and strength under control.  

- Be patient. Wait without complaining. Not easily provoked to anger. Not easily annoyed or irritated. Be longsuffering (calmly enduring difficulties). Do not overreact.

- Bear with one another in love (agape). Overlook offenses. Bear with others' imperfections and inconsideration. Forgive. No revenge or retaliation. Endure and "if it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone." (Romans 12:18) Be sympathetic. Carry one another's burdens. Act in grace and mercy. Respect other people's different opinions and preferences.

Prayer: Father, thank You for loving me and being patient with me! Please enable me to be humble, gentle, patient, and loving like Jesus. Please make me be more like Christ and help me die to self each day. When others look at me, may they only see Christ in me. In Jesus' Name, I pray. Amen.