No 9

(alertness, hospitality, generosity)

Alertness is: The tendency of being watchful to meet danger or emergency. Learning to pay attention to all the lessons that God is teaching through authorities, friends and experiences. Here are some questions we can ask ourselves to see if we are alert. 1) Do we drive defensively or do we trust the other person to drive safely? 2) Are we aware of opportunities that God gives us to witness and encourage others? 3) Have we learned how to “tune out” distractions that hinder us from being alert to the right things?

Hospitality is: Given to generous and cordial reception of guests. Learning how to provide an atmosphere which contributes to the physical and spiritual growth of those around us. Making other people comfortable with our possessions. Here are some questions: 1) Do we know what type of people God does not want in your home? 2) Are there things in our home that hinder Godliness and grieve the Holy Spirit?

Generosity is: Liberality in spirit or act; liberality in giving. Recognizing that all possessions belong to God. Discerning when a gift will damage the life or attitudes of the receiver. Some questions: 1) Do our gifts make the one receiving them feel obligated to us? 2) Have we ever given a large sum of money to God that we could’ve used for a personal want? 3) How many unexpected gifts have we given in the last year?