Daily Devotional – Day 18 Wesley Challenge
Day 18: Am I Jealous, Critical, Irritable, or Distrustful?
Scripture:
Galatians 5:22–23
Daily Challenge:
When you feel irritation or criticism rising today, pause and respond with kindness instead.
Teaching:
The answer to this question for most of us is, yes. Each of us should be striving to be less this way because these attitudes don’t just impact us, but how we treat the people around us. Our inner attitudes reveal themselves in our relationships. Jealousy, criticism, irritability, and distrust can damage relationships and create distance between us and God. But the Spirit produces something different in us—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These qualities do not come from trying harder, but from staying connected to God, and asking for his help. When we allow the Spirit to shape our hearts, our relationships begin to change. We become more patient, more understanding, and more compassionate. This question invites us to examine what is growing in our hearts. Today, choose to reflect the fruit of the Spirit.
Reflection Questions:
- Which of these attitudes do I struggle with most?
- How do these attitudes affect my relationships?
- What would it look like to respond differently today?
Prayer:
Lord, shape my heart to reflect Your Spirit. Replace jealousy with contentment, criticism with grace, and irritation with patience. Help me to love others well. Grow Your fruit in my life. Make me more like You.
Notes & Reflections: