How is your spirit?

Anxious? Hardened? Abrasive? Peaceful? Our spirits are not always pure and most of the time ignored. Scripture tells us we should attend them as we do any other part of our body.

In 2 Corinthians 7:1 Paul encourages his readers to "purify [themselves] from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God."

We purify our spirits, we confess our sins to God, because we are heirs to the Kingdom through Jesus' death and resurrection. 1 John 1:9 says when we do confess, God is faithful to forgive.

"Let your adornment be the inner self with the lasting beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in God’s sight." -I Peter 3:4

Peter writes specifically to women here, but a spirit pleasing to God is desired for both genders. How would those close to you describe your spirit?

"For God gave us a spirit not of fear, but of power and love and self-control." -2 Timothy 1:7

When are you most weak? How can you gather strength? When are you most angry? How can you conjure up more love? When are you most reckless? How do you gain self-control?

Begin with prayer, "Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me..." -Psalm 51:10, then draw on the truths of Scripture and the power of God's Spirit to take the next step in a God-pleasing direction.