”Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord; seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust. Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge, and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness, and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For he who lacks these qualities is blind or short-sighted, having forgotten his purification from his former sins. Therefore, brethren, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you; for as long as you practice these things, you will never stumble; for in this way the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly supplied to you.“ ‭‭2 Peter‬ ‭1‬:‭2‬-‭11‬ ‭NASB1995‬‬ Vs. 5 Step 1- faith 4102- pistis is belief, trust, confidence, and reliance in God Then add Step 2-virtue 703- arete which is moral goodness and excellence Then add Step 3- knowledge- 1108- gnosis meaning investigation of spiritual truths to gain deeper insight from firsthand/personal experience Then add Step 4: temperance or self control- 1466- egkrateia the virtue of one who masters his desires, passions and especially his sensual appetites. God gave us the ability through the power of His Spirit in us to control the demand/desires of the flesh Gal. 5: 16-17 Then add Step 5: Patience- 5281- hupomone- cheerful, hopeful endurance. Patient waiting as we abide in Him - it grows through trials, under undeserved affliction. Patience perfects Christian character

Why should you show unconditional positive regard toward the spirit of your spouse? When you appear to hate and despise who your spouse is as a person because of the wrong they have done, they'll close off to you. This isn't fair to you especially if they hurt you in the first place—but it is a fact. You must decide: Will I punish my spouse with hostility and contempt because of what they have done or will I move the marriage forward by being a mature person who truthfully confronts wrongdoing but in a way that feels loving and respectful to the heart of my spouse? Be intentional

Let's get to know each other! Comment below sharing where you are in the world, a photo of you, and something you like to do for fun. 😊

What have you learnt about yourself during your stand?