IS THIS YOUR WARDROBE?

Heart of Compassion • (splagchnon oiktirmos-Merciful, sympathetic, heartfelt tenderness-Mt. 9:36; Jas. 5:11) Does your heart go out to those who are hurting physically, emotionally, socially and/or spiritually? Are you more eager to meet another's needs than your own? Are you able to spot another's needs before they come to you for help?

Kindness • (chrestotes-Gracious, generous sensitivity expressed toward others triggered by a genuine care for their feelings and desires-Gal. 5:22; Rom. 2:4) Do others characterize you as a kind (or harsh) person based on your deeds and words? Are you kind to all people regardless of how they might treat you? Is your kindness generated from an awareness of God's kindness to you, manifested in a sincere desire and joy to serve others?

Humility • (tapeinophrosune- Lowliness of mind, complete absence of self-exaltation-Mt. 11:29; 1 Pet. 5:5) Are you seeking to exalt yourself or God in your actions? Can you serve others without caring if you are noticed or not? Do you consider others more important than yourself?

Gentleness • (prautes- Meekness, strength under control-2 Tim. 2:25; Gal. 6:1) Are you willing to waive your own rights and suffer injury for the sake of another? Is your spirit controlled by God to always respond with gentleness regardless of the situation? Can you, like Christ, accomplish God's agenda without force?

Patience • (makrothumia- Long-suffering in the face of personal insult or injury-Gal. 5:22; 1 Thes. 5:14) Can you endure exasperating conditions without rage or a desire for vengeance? Do you realize that the ultimate reason for impatience is pride? Are you as patient with others as God is patient with you?

Bearing With One Another • (anecho allelon- Enduring with others without complaint-Eph. 4:2; 1 Cor. 4:12) Do you realize all Christians are a work in progress? Can you "put-up" with others despite their sins, idiosyncrasies and weaknesses? Does your relationship with other believers take the ultimate precedence...are you willing to preserve it at all costs?

Forgiving Each Other • (charizomai heautou- A promise to not hold another's wrong against him/her-Mt. 18:21-22; Eph. 4:32) Do you forgive others as Christ has forgiven you? Do you bury past offenses whereas they are not repeated in your mind, used against the individual personally, or shared with others behind his/her back? Are you willing to ask others to forgive you?

Love • (agape- The crowning grace which is the fulfillment of the law-1 Cor. 13:1-7; Rom. 13:9-10) Do you realize that without love, "you are nothing." Are your actions motivated by a sincere love for God and others? How is your love for God and others tangibly demonstrated?