Valentines meeting: Character and Reputation

Proverbs 22:1

A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, loving favour rather than silver

and gold.

Now, character is one thing; and reputation is another:

Character

1 John 4:8 ESV / 311

Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.

It goes back to a meeting we had last March, and we highlighted characteristics of God and what He represents, there has to be a link between us and God is we truly call ourselves Christians. It’s cliche but also important to ask ourselves; WHAT WOULD JESUS DO?

Hebrews 13:8 ESV / 269

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

In moments of happiness, sadness, triumph, loneliness; he still remains the same. How faithful enough are you to remain in a positive mindset like Jesus when things are turning into turmoil

2 Peter 3:9 ESV / 226

The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.

How many of us can say that we have this characteristic? One of the biggest trials of being a Christian can be forgiveness! - use example of woman who forgave man who murdered her son.

Question: does anyone have any bible verses or stories they think of when hearing the word 'character'?

- David and King Saul, what distinguished them was their character 

- David ran to all these women and always came back to God

How do we know when to come back to Christ when we have fallen out of character?

- if you don't believe in God and believe that you won't go to Him, He won't rescue you!

- spirit vs flesh

- Sometimes we have to be vulnerable in order for our character to come out

- Trials produce character 

-Be loving to people that try to damage your character 

Verse 15:: foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him. 

Reputation

Proverbs 22:1 ESV / 197 helpful votes

A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold.

What’s in your heart? Are you idolising materialistic things, your job, your friends, or are you giving all glory and honour to God?

1 Peter 2:12 ESV / 101 helpful votes

Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.

From the Jewish perspective, Gentiles were often seen as pagans who did not know the true God. During Jesus’ time, many Jews took such pride in their cultural and religious heritage that they considered Gentiles “unclean,” calling them “dogs” and “the uncircumcision.” Gentiles and the half-Gentile Samaritans were viewed as enemies to be shunned (see John 4:9; 18:28; and Acts 10:28).

Gentiles were long seen as enemies of the Jewish people, yet Christ provided good news for both Jews and non-Jews. Paul praised the Lord’s goodness in his letter to the (mostly Gentile) church in Ephesus: 

(Get someone to read)

"Remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups [Jew and Gentile] one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility” (Ephesians 2:12–14).

Let the light of Christ shine in you, even against the people that are proudly proclaiming negativity and are enemies of your progress, it will rub off on them and hopefully give them the spirit to reach out to Christ!

Isaiah 54:17

No weapon that is fashioned against you shall succeed, and you shall confute every tongue that rises against you in judgment. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord and their vindication from me, declares the Lord.”

Famous verse and very well needed! We face daily trials and tribulations so constantly need to cling onto God in times of warfare. Spiritual warfare is a biggg one, feeling like you're constantly being attacked and you remain in the mindset of 'should I do it?' Or 'should I not?'

But in the end the choices you make as a Christian will determine who you are in, and whether you've chosen to follow His ways

What 3 things can I do to enhance my character?

If I left this earth, what can be said about my reputation? How did I impact the lives of others?

Thank you for reading ladies, any further questions don't hesitate to email us at ladieswhofellowship@gmail.com