My husband and I attended a marriage retreat a couple of months ago. The main and oft repeated point was if we aren't moving towards oneness as a couple, by default we are drifting towards isolation. Relationships take work. If we don't invest in our relationship for months at a time, we're going to grow apart.
The same goes for our relationship with God; if we don't take active steps to grow closer to God and the person He designed us to be, our spiritual life will grow cold. Here's some examples of spiritual goals to help your relationship with God.
Practice Forgiveness
Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. -Colossians 3:13
God forgave the unforgivable in us, so He asks that we return the favor to our brothers and sisters. Just as we are made in God's image, so are those that hurt us. And forgiveness may be a process. It may not happen overnight. But practicing forgiveness is a great way to let go of some extra spiritual and emotional baggage, and closer align ourselves with God.
Worship
God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth. -John 4:24
Praise and worship isn't just for Sunday morning! God is worthy and deserving of all our praises, and we should exalt Him always!
Love Others
“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” -Matthew 22:36-40
I recently realized that despite being a Christian for the majority of my life, I wasn't actually sure what it meant to serve God. After some digging, I realized it's as simple as loving my fellow members of God's creation. I can show love by being there for people in their times of need, praying for them, and striving to reflect God's unfailing lovingkindess He has so graciously bestowed upon me. By actively practicing loving my neighbor, I can begin to move my heart closer to the Father.
Practice Generosity
Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. -2 Corinthians 9:7
God has blessed us richly. We should be good stewards of the time and resources He has given us so that we can deepen our reliance on and trust in Him.
Practice Gratitude
Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. -1 Thessalonians 5:18
When you realize all you have is a direct blessing from God, you begin to see God and yourself in a different light.
It's very difficult for me to be deeply depressed and grateful at the same time. Be grateful all the time, for anything and everything. For family. For laughs. For music... For the fact that God would so love us, walking piles of dust that we are, and would even want to be with us forever. -Brant Hanson, Blessed are the Misfits
How will you commit to growing with God?
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