SQUAD SYSTEM

MANUAL
Volume 3

©PMP & PNPA-AAI

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 INTRODUCTION
In our present modem-day society, virtues have slowly begun to lose their
importance. The high level of indecency and immorality is indeed a major issue
that needs to be addressed urgently. Virtues are vital because they are the
basic qualities necessary for our well-being and happiness. By recognizing the
importance of virtues, in our lives, it will lead to better communication,
understanding and acceptance between us and our fellow man.

Lack of virtue in the world today has contributed to the high level of immorality
and vices in our society. The big question that arises here is what is virtue?
Virtue is the moral excellence and exhibition of good behavior by a person.
Virtue is universal and highly recognized by all cultures and tradition of the
world. However, irrespective of the recognition of virtue by all the cultures of
the world, vices, immorality and indecency still exist in our society today.

Virtues help us become better persons as it helps us foster our character

development. It makes us less self-centered and self-absorbed but helps us
become morally sensitive. Our virtues shape what we think and what we feel
about life itself. It is not enough just to study virtues but we need to focus on
life application as it will help us as individuals and as a society progress morally.

In this Volume 3 of our manual, we learn and discuss 52 virtues that we need
to embody as leaders of our home, workplace and community and as we
endeavor on helping each policeman become God-centered, family-based and
service-oriented.

Dr. Grace Sumbillo

Executive Director,
Pamilya Muina Pilipinas, Inc.

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS
BE …

TOPIC PAGE # TOPIC PAGE #

1. Ambitious 3 27. Ideal 56

2. Brave 5 28. Inspiration 58
3. Caring 7 29. Integrity 60
4. Clean 9 30. Joyful 62
5. Committed 11 31. Kind 64
6. Compassionate 13 32. Leader 66
7. Confident 15 33. Loving 68
8. Considerate 17 34. Loyal 70
9. Courteous 19 35. Merciful 72
10. Contented 21 36. Moderate 74
11. Creative 23 37. Modest 76
12. Credible 25 38. Orderly 78
13. Determined 27 39. Good Parent 80
14. Diligent 29 40. Passionate 82
15. Enthusiastic 31 41. Patient 84
16. Excellent 33 42. Peacemaker 86
17. Faithful 35 43. Prudent 88
18. Flexible 37 44. Purposeful 90
19. Forgiving 39 45. Responsible 92
20. Generous 41 46. Self-Disciplined 94
21. Grateful 43 47. Servant 96
22. Gentle 45 48. Tactful 98
23. Helpful 47 49. Trustworthy 100
24. Honest 49 50. Tenacious 102
25. Honorable 51 51. Truthful 104
26. Humble 53 52. Zealous 106

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BE AMBITIOUS
“and to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with
your hands, as we instructed you, so that you may walk properly before
outsiders and be dependent on no one.” 1 Thessalonians 4:11

Prelude
Do you remember what your ambition was when you were still a child? What
happened to that ambition?

eNgage
One rule of being a leader is “beware of your greatest strength.” Because if
your greatest strength is left unguarded it becomes your greatest weakness.
Our greatest strength can be our ambition but it can also be our greatness
weakness if we leave it unbridled.

1. Is ambition a negative term? Why or why not?

Ambition is one of those words that is often preceded by a negative
adjective “bad ambition.” It is connected to greed, power obsession or
starving for fame at any cost. Some talk of “blind ambition.” Or other talk
of ambitious people as selfish, arrogant and egotistical.
Ambition just like money is morally neutral but susceptible to
manipulation. Ambition is not necessarily evil but we must learn to channel
it. Never satisfied but always content is the posture of a properly ambitious
person. Ambition must propel us to be better, to meet our goals and
improve and never settle for “good enough.”

2. What is right ambition?

“and to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with
your hands, as we instructed you, so that you may walk properly before
outsiders and be dependent on no one.” (1 Thessalonians 4:11) This verse
uses the word “aspire” and it means that we need to be work diligently and
joyfully and find pleasure in it.
Do you find pleasure in your labor? Ambition is a knowledge of and
appetite for what’s next. It is always challenging ourselves to be better.

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 “For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.”
(Philippians 2:21) When our ambition is properly fed, it will yield a desire
to achieve, to grow, to perform, and to do one’s best. It will also yield a
healthy job environment, healthy relationships and a healthy work-life
balance.

3. When does ambition becomes bad?

“Woe to those who join house to house, who add field to field, until there
is no more room, and you are made to dwell alone, in the midst of the
land.” (Isaiah 5:8) There is nothing wrong in having a house and then
buying another, but there are people whose heart is set on material things.
And they seem to never have enough.
“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count
others more significant than yourselves.” (Philippians 2:3) Ambition
becomes bad when if we feed it wrongly it will end up to broken
relationships, becomes self-seeking and a poor reputation. If not fed at all,
it could result to laziness, stagnancy and ineptitude.

Practice
Ambition should lead us to provide solutions, not just ideas. It should constantly
move us toward completion. What is your goal for your own personal and
professional development? How do you intend to start moving towards this
direction?

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BE BRAVE
“For this reason, I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you
through the laying on of my hands, for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of
power and love and self-control.” 2 Timothy 1:6-7

Prelude
What do you fear? It could be financial, family related, relationship related or
work related.

eNgage
Life is a series of risks. Should I marry this person or wait on another? Should
I take this job or not? Both involves risks. The biggest hurdle to develop bravery
is fear. Nothing will paralyze you, hold you down, or push you forward in the
wrong direction like this emotion. But sometimes the best way to cure a fear is
to stare it squarely in the face.

1. When fear strikes you, what do you do?

“God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and
discipline.” (2 Timothy 1:7) Fear is the uneasy feeling we're inadequate.
It's an alarm that goes off when we feel threatened. It keeps people from
attaining their goals. I’m not talking about normal, natural fears—such as
the fear of falling or the fear of walking onto a busy highway. I’m talking
about a gripping, paralyzing fear that's truly a spirit of fear.
When fear strikes you, face fear head-on. Ask yourself, of what am I
really afraid? Break down the nature of your fear. Are you afraid of failure
that will lead to criticism? Are you afraid of failure that will lead to rejection
from someone you love or admire? Are you afraid your weaknesses and
inadequacies will be exposed or that others will withdraw from you
completely?

2. What should you do when you are afraid?

a. First, get your eyes off of your problem(s) and onto God. “The Lord is
my helper, I will not be afraid. What will man do to me?” (Hebrews
13:6) People may criticize, reject, ridicule, and persecute you, but they

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 can’t take away your relationship with God, or the joy, contentment,
and inner strength the Lord imparts to you.

b. Second, ask the Lord to give you the help you need. It's one thing to
say, “The Lord is my helper,” and another to say, “Lord, help me today
... help me right now in this situation.” Be specific in your requests.

c. Third, encourage yourself by memorizing the Word of God and

quoting it often when you need a fear-buster of inner strength. “Fear
not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will
strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right
hand.” (Isaiah 41:10) In this passage, the Lord promises to give us His
presence; His power, His strength, His provision and His protection.
What more could you need? Remind the Lord often of His promises
to you.

d. Finally, ask others to pray for you. Ask them to uphold you daily in
prayer and, in turn, pray for them and their success. “Pray for one
another so that you may be healed.” (James 5:16)

Practice
Together, as a group, pray that God will give you the courage to:
• Embrace uncertainty.
• Face your fear with faith
• Be encouraged.
• Keep stepping out and take risks.

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BE CARING
“If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who
does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has
not seen. And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God
must also love his brother.” 1 John 4:20-21

Prelude
Was there a time in your life when someone whom you did not know cared for
you? How was the experience? What have you learned from the experience?

eNgage

1. How do we know that we have God’s love in us? How do we manifest

God’s love in us?
“But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet
closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him? Little
children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.” (1 John
3:17-18). The love of God is seen through the love of men. Therefore, our
behavior of love points to the God we serve so that others may see past
us and see Him.
Faced with many situations throughout the day, there is no shortage
of opportunities for us to demonstrate love through our actions.
I am sure that if you reflect on your day you can think of plenty of other
opportunities to serve that are more specific with your encounters with
people. The point is simply that we need to be looking for those
opportunities.

2. How do we know and test whether what we believe in God is true or

not?
“If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who
does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he
has not seen. And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves
God must also love his brother.” (1 John 4:20-21) This verse, then, offers

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 a permanently valid test to see whether our belief in God is the true one or
not. Do we love God? Do we love one another? The proof that we love
God is that we love each other with unconditional love, for that kind of love
must have an outlet.

3. How do we show the love of God in us in others?

“For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave
me no drink, I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you
did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.’ Then they
also will answer, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a
stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to you?’ Then
he will answer them, saying, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did not do it to one
of the least of these, you did not do it to me.’” (Matthew 25:42-45) The true
test of God’s unconditional love in us is what we do for others. How do we
care for other people? Especially people we do not know and those that
are not within our circle. What do we do for people who are marginalized?
How do we show care and compassion to them?

Practice
1. What are the opportunities you missed today in showing care for other
people?
2. What are practical steps you can show God’s love to others especially to
your family?

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BE CLEAN
“For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue,
and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control
with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with
brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are
yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in
the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
2 Peter 1:5-8

Prelude
How do you understand the saying “Cleanliness is next to godliness.”? Feel
free to share how you understand the saying.

eNgage

1. How would you describe a godly person?

“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands
in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in
the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like
a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its
leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.” (Psalm 1:1-3) The
answers, though varied, always ends up expressing some idea of Christian
character, using the expressions as “Godlike,”, “Christlike,” or “the fruit of
the Spirit.” Godliness includes Christian character, but it is more than that.

2. What is godliness?
“Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought
you to be in lives of holiness and godliness …” (2 Peter 3:11) Paul
especially emphasizes godliness in his first letter to Timothy. We are to
pray for those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in
all godliness and holiness. We are to train ourselves to be godly. We are
to pursue godliness—the word "pursue" indicating unrelenting,
persevering effort.

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 When Peter, in looking forward to the day of the Lord, he asks what
kind of people we ought to be, he answers that we are to live holy
and godly lives.

3. How can we show our devotion to God?

“For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with
virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and
self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and
godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if
these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being
ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter
1:5-8). Godliness is more than character. It springs from a devotion to God.
It is true that devotion to God results in godly character. The essential
elements of that devotion must express themselves in a life that is pleasing
to God. So godliness can be defined as devotion to God which results in a
life that is pleasing to God.

Practice
1. What are practical ways you can develop your devotion to God?
2. If “cleanliness is next to godliness”, how do you practice this saying at
work and at home? (ex., CLAYGO – Clean As You Go policy, 5 S of
Good Housekeeping, etc.)

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BE COMMITTED
“But above all, my brothers, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or by
any other oath, but let your “yes” be yes and your “no” be no, so that you may
not fall under condemnation.” James 5:12

Prelude
Has there been a promise given to you but was broken? How did you feel? Or
have you ever broke a promise to someone but broke it? How did the other
person feel?

eNgage

1. How important is the word “commitment” to you?

Commitment is a character trait of God, a quality with which He wants us
to be intimately acquainted. Commitment is not a promise, it is the point
when the promise is kept. Commitment requires planning, perseverance,
and sacrifice.

2. What are the commitments that you have made in your life? How
serious are you in abiding by these commitments?
“So Elijah went from there and found Elisha son of Shaphat. He was
plowing with twelve yoke of oxen, and he himself was driving the twelfth
pair. Elijah went up to him and threw his cloak around him. 20 Elisha then
left his oxen and ran after Elijah. “Let me kiss my father and mother
goodbye,” he said, “and then I will come with you.” “Go back,” Elijah
replied. “What have I done to you?”
So Elisha left him and went back. He took his yoke of oxen and
slaughtered them. He burned the plowing equipment to cook the meat and
gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he set out to follow Elijah and
became his servant.” (1 Kings 19:19-21)
Elijah was Elisha’s mentor and this story is the beginning of their
mentoring relationship. God told Elijah to ask Elisha to leave his farm and
take on the work as God’s prophet. As a gesture of his commitment to his
mentor, Elisha gave everything he had to other people – his oxen, his

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 plowing equipment and followed Elijah. Elisha was fully committed in
following God’s call in His life.

3. How do you show commitment to others in your life?

Always arriving on time? Calling somebody when you said you would?
Being a listener to a friend going through difficulty? Working excellently?
Find ways to show commitment to those around you. God will use it to
bring glory to Him.

Practice
If you are married, try to remember some promises you made to your spouse
and child/ren that you have failed to do like promising them that you will take
them out for a picnic, to do a certain project for them, to spend time with them,
etc. And try to fulfill this promise and tell them it is because you love them. (If
you are single, do the same with your parents or your partner.)

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BE COMPASSIONATE
“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an
end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. “The Lord is my
portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.”
Lamentations 3:22-24

Prelude
We have heard of a lot of stories of policemen helping others beyond their duty.
Do you remember one story like this? How did it make you feel?

eNgage
“But Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In
the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!” And he took him by
the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were
made strong. And leaping up, he stood and began to walk, and entered the
temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. And all the people
saw him walking and praising God, and recognized him as the one who sat at
the Beautiful Gate of the temple, asking for alms.” Acts 3:6-10
In today’s story we see the apostles Peter and John going together to the
temple to pray. This picture of devotion and community is contrasted with that
of a beggar “being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful” and left to beg
for his daily bread from the people going into the temple courts.

1. How did God show His own compassion to us?

Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His
compassions never fail. They are new every morning …” (Lamentations
3:22-23) Lamentations is not lighthearted reading; it’s a collection of
desperate cries from the bottom of a pit. In the middle of the book, a
glimmering light shines through the darkness, as the weeping writer lifts
his head and proclaims hope in the God of love and compassion. We
witness the progression from a downcast, bitter soul (verse 20) to an
upright, resolute warrior refusing to be consumed by the troubles of life
(verse 22).

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2. What do you think God expects of us in the area of “compassion”?
At busy intersections in cities today, we can sometimes see people holding
signs asking for food or money. Though we may wonder if they are truthful
about their situation, we all know what happens when we come across
them. We usually avoid making eye contact. We avoid seeing them.
Peter’s next words would have been discouraging to a person
begging: “Silver or gold I do not have. . . .” But then came words of healing
and, beyond his wildest dreams, the man was able to walk and jump for
joy. So he followed along with the apostles, praising God in the temple
courts. Now that is Beautiful!

3. What hinders people from helping others?

Sometimes, many times we do not want to help others in needs because
there are times that we questions their motives. But motives is not seen,
we only see their behavior. But even then should we refuse to help
because we do not trust people’s motives?

Practice
In what other areas can we show compassion towards others aside from giving
alms or material help towards others?
There are many other ways we can be compassionate towards others and
these are:
• Forgiving others of their wrongdoing towards us;
• Leading others to God if they are in need of mercy;
• Being a friend to someone;
• Serving others.

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BE CONFIDENT
“Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may
receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” Hebrews 4:16

Prelude
Who is the person that you have full confidence in?

eNgage

1. When you are in need who do you go to?

Priests were God’s chosen servants; they served as mediators between
God and his people. They worked in the temple, praying for the people and
bringing their sacrifices to God. They offered sacrifices on behalf of the
people to make atonement for their sins. And only the high priest was
allowed to enter the most holy place to stand before God.
Earlier in Hebrews, Jesus is referred to as the “faithful high priest.”
Here, in chapter 4, he is called the “great high priest.” This means he is
actually the greatest of all high priests. He is the one true High Priest.

2. Why do you think it is best for us to approach God when we are in

need rather than relying on other people or the possessions we
have?
Because of his perfect life, Jesus’ atonement for our sins is real and
lasting. For this reason, we do not need to be afraid to enter God’s
presence; in fact, we can have “confidence” when we approach God. We
can be confident that we will “receive mercy and find grace to help us in
our time of need.” Don’t be afraid to approach God. Instead, approach him
with confidence, knowing that even though we cannot do this in our own
strength, we can do it through Jesus, the great High Priest.

3. What does your faith mean in your life?

“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not
seen.” (Hebrews 11:1)
As we live our lives, let us do so in faith. Often we need the confidence
and assurance of what we cannot see. Our faith will be made sight when

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 Christ comes again. He is the one who saved us from our sins. He is the
One who is faithful, so we. Are called to live out our lives in response to
him.

Practice
Do you have the confidence to approach God with your prayers and requests?
By faith, close this session by praying for one another.

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BE CONSIDERATE
“So in everything,do to others what you would have them do to you,
for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 7:12

Prelude
Looking into how our drivers drive especially during rush hours, do you think
they are considerate of each other? Why are we not considerate of each other?

eNgage

1. What does it mean when we say we need to be considerate of one

another?
“So in everything,do to others what you would have them do to you,
for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 7:12)
Being around considerate people is nice. They seem to know what you’re
going through, and they gently offer help and comfort to make your path
easier. They see how tired you are, and they offer a meal and some rest.
Is it that they’re not just thinking about themselves all the time? Not
exactly. They know what would make them rest comfortably, so they do it
to you! As Jesus commanded, they do to others what they would like done
to themselves.

2. Some of us are considerate of other people but have we looked into

our homes? How considerate are we towards our own family?
“Husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his
wife loves himself. After all, no one ever hated their own body, but they
feed and care for their body, just as Christ does the church.” (Ephesians
5:28-29) The key, says God, is to avoid taking advantage of one another
and to fear God. How we treat one another matters to God and reflects our
relationship with him. We can’t love God without also considering what’s
best for others.
Still, it can be easy to take one another for granted. Kids think their
mom is always available to run a forgotten lunch. Spouses make
assumptions about who should pay the bills or have dinner ready. As
policemen, people expect us to be available to them 24/7. We expect that

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 others will always be there to meet our needs, and we take them for
granted.
Or we expect that people get what they deserve. If they won’t try
harder or don’t know better, they don’t deserve to pay a higher price.
But God tells us to treat others well because of him. We may not think
that others deserve our consideration or have earned our respect, but
God’s love for us compels us to see others through his eyes.
But let’s not get Jesus and Paul wrong. They’re not telling us to be
considerate just because it benefits us. We are called to love others
without conditions, with no strings attached. If we stop being considerate
to someone because they aren’t considerate in return, our motives
probably are selfish.

3. What is another way for us to practice being considerate?

“You shall not wrong one another, but you shall fear your God, for I am the
Lord your God.” (Leviticus 25:17)
In a world of selfishness, being truly considerate is a breath of fresh air. It
warms the heart and ties us together in love.

Practice
List areas in your personal and professional life wherein you can practice being
considerate towards others.

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BE COURTEOUS
“Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender
heart, and a humble mind. Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but
on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a
blessing.” 1 Peter 3:8-9

Prelude
Is courtesy still a common virtue? What can you say about our education
system stating that we need to bring back GMRC (Good Manners & Right
Conduct) subject in our schools? Have we lost it?

eNgage
Courtesy is defined as “polite behavior that shows respect for other people.”

1. What is the Golden Rule? Why do you think that if we say we love
God, we must also love other people?
“Do to others what you want others to do to you.” (Matthew 7:12) The laws
of God is summed up into two: Love God, love your neighbors as yourself.
The essence of the Golden Rule is that when we love God it is evidenced
by the way we treat our neighbors.

2. Do you believe that “We live in a time when civility and courtesy are
increasingly rare.”? If true, what could be the reasons?
“For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant,
abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless,
unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good,
treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than
lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power.
Avoid such people.” (2 Timothy 3:2-5)
Are these true of some people? Do you think these are the reasons
why people forget to be courteous and polite? Please explain your answer.

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3. How can we show courtesy to others?
“Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender
heart, and a humble mind. Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling,
but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain
a blessing.” (1 Peter 3:8-9) If we look at a person in God’s eyes, then we
will be able to practice courtesy to one another, not just to our friends and
family but even to people we do not know. Courteous can mean three
things: good morals, good courtesies and good manners.
• Good morals includes living a life of integrity and base our
decisions on God’s standard. Asking God in any situation:
“WWJD” – What would Jesus do?” it also means practicing right
manners and good conduct and developing virtues that would
make people and relationships as our priorities.
• Good courtesies are simple words such as saying “please,”,
“thank you”, “excuse me”, “yes, sir/mam,” and other courtesies. It
could also include the saying “If we have nothing good to say
about other people, better not to say it.”
• Good manners can include right table manners, chivalry and
practicing proper etiquette. It can also mean respecting the
privacy of other people.

Practice
What are some practical ways we can show courtesy to other people? What
are the courtesies or proper etiquette you want to teach your children?

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BE CONTENTED
“Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever
situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to
abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing
plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who
strengthens me.” Philippians 4:11-13

Prelude
Most people today depend on social media to know what is the latest. And they
look at the posts or the activities of others. Does looking at social media create
envy and jealousy in people? And eventually create discontentment? Please
explain your answer.

eNgage
“I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern
for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. Not
that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I
am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In
any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and
hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens
me.” (Philippians 4:10-13)

Paul is in prison because of corrupt officials. He is waiting for his execution

based on false charges. The church has given Paul financial gift which he never
asked and he appreciates the gift but at the same time, he wanted to share with
them a lesson on contentment.

1. What is contentment? How do we define contentment?

Contentment means “self-sufficient or independent.” It means the ability to
be free from wants or needs. Others would define it being free from
emotions which is not what Paul was saying. Although Paul was thankful
for the gift the church gave, he showed heartfelt love and concern to them.
It does not also mean being complacent. We need to work to better our

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 circumstances as we have opportunity. The Bible teaches us hard work
and to enjoy the rewards from our labor.

2. Where do we find contentment?

a. It comes from focusing on the Lord in whom we need to submit
everything. Key is understanding that everything comes from God and
He will supply all our needs.

b. It comes from focusing on the Lord in whom we serve.

(“Seek first the kingdom of God and all these things is added to you.”
Matthew 6:33). We need to focus on serving God and growing in Him
and God will take care of us.

c. It comes from focusing on the Lord in whom we trust.

God is sufficient and he must be our source of strength and
contentment.

3. Do you believe that God is all-sufficient? Do you believe that God is

the source of your strength? Do you believe that God can give you
all your needs?
God is our only source of hope. He is our provider and protector. Through
Christ we have the grace to do what is good, and through Him we must
expect the reward; and as we have all things by Him, let us do all things
for Him, and for His glory.

Practice
What is the secret of your contentment? What should we do in order not to look
with covetousness what others have?

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 11
BE CREATIVE
“He has filled them with skill to do every sort of work done by an engraver or
by a designer or by an embroiderer in blue and purple and scarlet yarns and
fine twined linen, or by a weaver—by any sort of workman or skilled
designer.” Exodus 35:35

Prelude
Are you a creative person? Aside from being a police officer, what special skills
do you have? It could be cooking, arts and crafts or a hobby such as playing a
musical instrument, a sport, etc.

eNgage

1. What is creativity? How do we define creativity?

Creativity involves transforming your ideas, imagination and dreams into
reality. When you’re being creative, you can see the hidden patterns,
make connections between things that aren’t normally related, and come
up with new ideas. Creative ability depends on creative thinking which is
part hard work but largely creative problem-solving.

2. Did God create us to be creative people?

“So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created
him; male and female he created them.” (Genesis 1:27)
Everyone is creative. Creativity is hardwired into our DNA by God himself.
All of us were made to be creative people. Creative juices run hot through
our veins. All of us have an irresistible, divinely-inspired impulse to create,
organize, and fashion. God is the greatest of all creators and we alone are
made in the image of God. God has given us the glorious task of
representing him on the earth. Of showing the world what our God is really
like.
We are being creative is as an accountant is able to analyze data and
make an accurate financial report. When a person works on soil and
causes it to grow beautiful flowers or vegetables in the garden, he is
creative. Or when an electrician puts together various wires and make a

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 light bulb produce light. When a writer assembles letters into sentences,
and sentences into paragraphs, and paragraphs into books, they are all
reflecting the image of God. Every man, woman, and child is creative.
When we create, it pleases God, because He sees us reflecting his image.
He sees us “imaging” him to the rest of the world. God loves to see his
image shine throughout the world.

3. How should we use our creative gifts?

“If you are God, your work is to create out of nothing. If you are not God,
but like God — that is, if you are human — your work is to take what God
has made and shape it and use it to make him look great.” John Piper
Your work is meant to inspire you and motivate you to use your
creative gifts for the glory of Go and to help you stop making excuses and
start using your gifts. You have creative gifts. You are a gifted musician or
mechanic or teacher or dancer or woodworker or organizer or landscaper
or quilter or preacher, and God wants you to use your gifts for His glory.
He doesn’t want you to waste them or hoard them. He wants you to use
them to benefit those around you and to bring him honor. He wants you to
steward your gifts, not waste them. Your church needs your creative gifts.
Your family needs your creative gifts. Your friends need your creative gifts.
You have gifts that no one else has. We need your gifts.

Practice
You are a creative person. Your family needs your creative gifts. Your friends
need your creative gifts. You have gifts that no one else has. Your office needs
your creative gifts. We need your gifts. What are your creative gifts that will
benefit everyone you relate with – be it at work or at home?

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 12
BE CREDIBLE
“Many a man proclaims his own steadfast love, but a faithful man who can
find? The righteous who walks in his integrity— blessed are his children after
him!” Proverbs 20:6-7

Prelude
Integrity is a virtue that is internal but credibility is what we do to show in action
that virtue. “Service reputation” – how important is it in public service?

eNgage

1. How much do you trust God and His Word?

“The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord
is sure, making wise the simple.” Psalm 19:7
Before we talk about credibility, let us first discuss the credibility and
trustworthiness of God and His word. God can be trusted. So we don’t just
give Him the easy concerns; we must rely upon Him for everything. He
desires a personal relationship with us and is able to guide us through life
victoriously. He is 100% credible and reliable.

2. Who is a credible person? Think about our own experiences where

we can confirm that credibility is comparatively rare. Share your
experience.
“Many a man proclaims his own steadfast love, but a faithful man who can
find? The righteous who walks in his integrity— blessed are his children
after him!” (Proverbs 20:6-7)
Can we find a repairman who will arrive as scheduled? A product that
fulfills the advertised promises? A worker who will deliver a project on
time? Someone we can trust with a sensitive assignment?

3. How can we develop a credible life?

“Like the cold of snow in the time of harvest, is a faithful messenger to
those who send him; he refreshes the soul of his masters.” (Proverbs
25:13)

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 a. Live a life of integrity.
b. Keep our promises. “but who honors those who fear the Lord; who
swears to his own hurt and does not change;” Psalm 15:4

In our life, we need to seek to be trustworthy. Cultivate a reputation for

faithfulness. Demonstrate that the love of God is true and able to change lives.

Practice
1. Do you consider yourself credible? What do you think your spouse and
children will say?
2. What is the “service reputation” you would like to leave behind?

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 13
BE DETERMINED
“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the
prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all
things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I
do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my
body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should
be disqualified.” 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

Prelude
Was there a time when you wanted to do something or acquire something?
How determined were you? Share your story and what lesson have you learned
about determination from the experience?

eNgage

1. Define what determination is.

Determination is the ability to make difficult decisions and accomplish
God's goals based on the truths of God's Word, regardless of the
resistance that may be encountered. It is the ability to set ourselves
toward Godly pursuits, and not allow ourselves to be distracted or
discouraged.
1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Paul looked back on his life of perhaps over
thirty years of toil and struggle as a follower of Christ. He used the
language of an athlete who has won the event. And, he applied this
analogy to our true purpose and reward. In ancient times, the reward was
not a medal or money as it is now, but rather a crown made of olive
branches, and the respect of the people. Paul knew his reward was to
come in the form of righteousness, which is far more valuable than any
earthy prestige or reward. So, his eyes were on Christ and the goals God
gave him. He did not allow suffering, failure, prison, or any other obstacle
to thwart God's purpose in his life and mission. To see someone like Paul,
who was an ordinary person, stay the course and persevere through all
impossible obstacles, should give us inspiration so that we can do it too!

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2. What is the opposite of determination?
Weakness, discouragement, powerlessness, quitting, escape, giving
up and faintheartedness, are the opposites. These dire mindsets will allow
you to give up way too soon, when all you had to do is hang in a bit longer.

3. How can I make Determination function better, stronger, and faster,

even in times of uncertainly and stress?
Righteous Determination requires our persistence to overcome barriers
that hold us back--those that can be overcome by more effort, right
thinking, clear goals, and help from others. Our determination needs to be
governed by righteous desire, commitment, and dedication to God's
principles.
We need to seek first God. (Matthew 6:33). The word Seek means a
“strong minded pursuit, set your heart on, keep continuously seeking,
deciding to hang tough regardless.” Valuable technique in the pursuit of
successful living than sheer determination – persistence in godliness,
determination to stay diligently, persistence in commitment and
determination in working with people.

Practice
Do you easily give up? How can you develop the virtue of determination in your
own life?

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 14
BE DILIGENT
“The soul of a lazy man desires, and has nothing; but the soul of the diligent
shall be made rich.” Proverbs 13:4

Prelude
Does anyone know the Filipino story of Juan Tamad? What is the story about?

eNgage

1. What does diligence mean? And how do we define the word

diligence?
“Go to the ant, you sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise, which,
having no captain, overseer or ruler, provides her supplies in the summer,
and gathers her food in the harvest.” (Proverbs 6:6-9) Diligence means
“steady, earnest, energetic application and effort.” The opposite of a
diligent person is one who is indifferent, lazy or a sluggard. An indifferent
and lazy person displays a lack of interest or concern, placing little or no
importance or value on improving their work. A sluggard is nothing more
than a habitually idle or lazy person.

2. What are the benefits and rewards of diligence?

You enrich yourself. “He who deals with a slack hand becomes poor, but
the hand of the diligent makes one rich” (Proverbs 10:4) If you lead your
life with laziness, you are headed for poverty. On the contrary, if you are
diligent—if you firmly pursue your tasks—you enrich yourself.

a. Apply the principle of “the right way at the right time. “He who gathers
in summer is a wise son; he who sleeps in harvest is a son who causes
shame” (Proverbs 10:5) You must work in due season. In agriculture,
if you do not sow a field in the right season, you will have nothing
much to harvest. You will find yourself poor. This principle can be
applied in other fields. We might have brilliant ideas, but they will fail
if we do not apply them the right way and at the right time.

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 b. Provide for the needs of others. “The lazy man does not roast what he
took in hunting, but diligence is man’s precious possession” (Proverbs
12:27) What good is it to go hunting or fishing if we do not follow
through to prepare what we catch? Diligent people will always be able
to provide for their needs with God’s help.

c. Joy at work. But there should also be joy in work. If we enjoy our jobs
(and we should), and if we commit our work to God, our labor will
make us appreciate what we earn to support ourselves. Our very
existence will drive us to work hard, and we will be blessed in our
work.

d. God will make us succeed. “The soul of a lazy man desires, and has
nothing; but the soul of the diligent shall be made rich” (Proverbs 13:4)
Some people complain about their situation. They may blame their
failure on a lack of education, talents or resources. Often, failure is not
caused by scarcity of talents, but by laziness.

3. What then is the secret to success?

“Commit your works to the Lord, and your thoughts [plans] will be
established” (Proverbs 16:3) This is an absolute guarantee for success,
because God does not lie. He keeps His promises. This means doing what
is right in His eyes. You cannot be blessed if your works are against God’s
will.

Practice
“Diligence leads to success but laziness leads to failure.” What will you teach
your children about how to be successful?

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 15
BE ENTHUSIASTIC
“… shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not
under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful
gain, but eagerly; …” 1 Peter 5:2

Prelude
When was a time when you heard a good news that personally benefitted you?
How did you share it with the people around you?

eNgage

1. What is enthusiasm? Where do we get enthusiasm?

We need to be eager and enthusiastic about our relationship to God and
others. Enthusiasm—it’s one of the greatest words in the English
language! The word Enthusiasm is derived from two little
words, en and theos, theos is the word for God. So "enthusiasm" literally
means, in its root concept, "full of God and inspired of God.”
The source of enthusiasm is God Himself. If we have more of His
thoughts, His mind and His excitement about life.
• Be eager to serve.
• Have an eager willingness to finish the work of faith.
• Be eager to do what is good.

2. What are the effects of enthusiasm?

“Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ.” (2
Corinthians 2:14)
God will help us maintain enthusiasm. He will help us overcome all
difficulties, all tragedies, all sorrows, all heartaches; He will give us victory.
The word itself tells us that people with enthusiasm will be full of God and
will, consequently, create a better world and have a better life individually.
Enthusiasm makes life exciting and creative; enthusiasm helps a person
accomplish things.

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3. Where do we need to be enthusiastic?
Enthusiasm is a state of the heart. “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it
with your might,…” (Ecclesiastes 9:10) We must bring enthusiasm in
everything we do in life. Enthusiasm is the key to success.
• Enthusiasm in our service.
• Enthusiasm in the midst of trials. “A joyful heart is good medicine,
but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” (Proverbs 17:22)
• Enthusiasm even when we are surrounded by negativity. But
often we find ourselves in an environment where our enthusiasm
gets siphoned off. For example, if we are constantly in the
company of negative people, we will take on a negative aspect of
mind; our mental reactions to people and events will be negative.
Which is why you have to practice enthusiasm. Enthusiasm is
contagious so is negativity.

Practice
So practice enthusiasm. Stop saying the depressing things. Stop complaining.
Stop saying the discouraging things, the hateful things, the negative things, the
critical things. Think enthusiasm! Talk it, live it, pray it, act it! And you will keep
enthusiasm going for you every day. “The zeal of the Lord Almighty will
accomplish this” (Isaiah 9:7).

How can you train yourself to be more enthusiastic about life? And what will
you do when you are flooded with negativity?

And in everything give thanks.

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 16
BE EXCELLENT
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just,
whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any
excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”
Philippians 4:8

Prelude
For us Filipinos, we use the expressions, “Pwede na yan! Bahala na!” What is
your comment on these expressions? Should we tolerate this practice?

eNgage

1. What is the pursuit of excellence and what it is not?

a. Pursuing excellence is not to be a quest of superiority. Excellence is
a state, quality or condition of excelling. Excel is to do or be better
than; surpass and to show superiority. Despite these definition, the
pursuit of excellence refers to pursuing and doing the best we can with
the gifts and abilities God gives, giving our best and not done in the
spirit of competition. Excellence includes common, everyday things.

b. Pursuing excellence should not be limited by the nature of the task.

“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory
of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31) The goal in everything we do is to excel.
There is a saying in Filipino “Pwede na yan!” – we should always take
extra mile in making sure that our output is excellent.

c. Pursuing excellence is a matter of choosing the best. It means to put

to the test and made the right choice. It means making a choice to get
rid of some things that are mediocre in our lives and choose the best.

d. Pursuing excellence is an all inclusive pursuit. “Whatever your hand

finds to do, do it with your might …” (Ecclesiastes 9:10) Ask yourself
always, “Is this task worth doing?”

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 e. Pursuing excellence is a matter of a whole-hearted endeavor.
Excellence is not just in our skill but also in our personal life. We
should excel both in our personal and professional life.

2. What should be our motive in the pursuit of excellence?

a. We excel for the glory of God.
b. We should excel in every opportunity.
c. We excel because eternal rewards await us.

3. What should be our attitude in the pursuit of excellence?

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just,
whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is
any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these
things.” (Philippians 4:8)
We need to fill our minds with what will inspire the worship of God and
service to others.

Practice
In what areas in your life that you need to be excellent in?

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 17
BE FAITHFUL
“The Rock, his work is perfect, for all his ways are justice. A God of
faithfulness and without iniquity, just and upright is he.”
Deuteronomy 32:4

Prelude
Do you have a friend or a co-worker whom you consider as faithful? How would
you describe this person? How did he/she demonstrate this virtue?

eNgage

1. Is God faithful? What is the faithfulness of God?

““The Rock, his work is perfect, for all his ways are justice. A God of
faithfulness and without iniquity, just and upright is he.” (Deuteronomy.
32:4)
Faithfulness is an attribute that is a vital part of God’s character. His
own faithfulness is a great resource for His faithfulness to His people. The
faithfulness of God is the most important element in our lives. In these days
when everything is uncertain – wars, economic collapse, natural and man-
made disasters – there is only one thing that is certain – God’s faithfulness.

2. What are the characteristics of a faithful person?

“If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you
are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater
responsibilities. And if you are untrustworthy about worldly wealth, who will
trust you with the true riches of heaven? And if you are not faithful with
other people’s things, why should you be trusted with things of your own?”
(Luke 16:10-12)
Faithful people adhere firmly to their commitments. They are worthy
of our trust as they are reliable. They are consistent and always truthful.
a. They are loyal to God.
b. They are moral, honest and law-abiding people.
c. They cultivate love and peace towards others.
d. They are patient and are humble.
e. They are obedient to their responsibilities.

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3. What are the benefits of being faithful? What does God’s word
promises to those who are faithful?
a. God will not forsake them as they remain faithful to God. (Psalms
37:28)
b. They will have long life as they have social connectedness. (Proverbs.
3:12)
c. They will have peace and personal satisfaction. (Proverbs 16:7)
d. They will be a blessing to others as God prospers them. (Proverbs
28:20)
e. They will be entrusted with greater responsibilities. (Luke 16:10)

Prelude
Can you consider yourself a faithful person? In your family? In your workplace?
Why do you say so? What will you do to improve in this area?

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 18
BE FLEXIBLE
“so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted
and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints
what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of
Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of
God.” Ephesians 3:17-19

Prelude
Imagine this scenario. You have planned a long awaited vacation to a dream
place with your love ones – as you have long promised this vacation to them.
Then suddenly, a red alert happened and all vacation leave are suspended
indefinitely. How would you respond? What is your honest feeling about it?
What will you tell your family about situation?

eNgage
Flexibility is a very important and necessary character quality. Flexibility usually
involves change and change produces tension. According to studies, one of
the most stressful events in one’s life is uprooting your family and move to a
new location.

1. What is the character trait – flexibility?

Bible Reference: Mark 5:21-42 The Healing of Jairus’ Daughter
As Jesus was walking to Jairus' house to heal his daughter, a woman with
an "issue of blood" stopped him (Mark 5:25). She touched Jesus' garment,
yearning to meet him, and immediately experienced healing. Jesus took
time to talk to her briefly but compassionately, explaining that her faith had
made her whole.
Flexibility is the ability to move naturally, change directions easily and
compromise when appropriate. If requires flexibility and grace to stop or
alter a certain course of action, to allow others to merge in front of you, to
see a situation from another’s perspective.

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 Stubbornness, arduousness, conceit, and self-Importance are all
opposites. These traits are steeped in pride. We see ourselves as the
center, the key to the universe-or, at the very least, of what and who is
around us.

2. What is the importance of developing the character of being flexible?

a. Flexibility will allow us to see our "delight" in the Lord, not in our plans
or schedules. If you want to grow in faith, and in relationships, you
have to be willing to stretch your will so it can accommodate others.
b. By being flexible, we are able to see how others can help and
challenge us. We can see how everyone in our lives are placed there,
by God, for a particular reason. We can see how God works and uses
various people to touch our lives, and us to touch theirs.

If you observe trees during the typhoon, when a strong wind comes along they
bend otherwise they break. Those that bend survive the strongest wind. Yet,
as human beings we hold on things (our opinions, our wrong relationships) that
we are at a point of breaking. The degree of pain we experience required to be
flexible may reveal the extent of which our affections are set on the things of
this world. The greater are we rooted into the love of God, the greater our
capacity to be flexible. (Ephesians 3:17-19)

Practice
Some of the situations where we need to be flexible may not be bad in itself –
like plans, opinions, opportunities, traditions – but are we willing to be flexible
in order to preserve our relationships? How willing are we to change our plans
and ideas in order to accommodate others? Please explain your answer.

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 19
BE FORGIVING
“For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also
forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your
Father forgive your trespasses.” Matthew. 6:14-15

Prelude
Have you experienced being forgiven? Share the experience and how did it
make you feel afterwards.

eNgage

What does the word of God teach us about forgiveness?

1. All of us is in need of forgiveness.

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans
3:23) From a spiritual perspective, we were all born with a sin problem,
eternally separated from God. We often messed up. Each and every time,
God is there with open arms to offer forgiveness. It’s much easier to extend
forgiveness to others when we consider the grace we have been shown.

2. Forgiving others is a prerequisite for our own forgiveness.

“For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also
forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will
your Father forgive your trespasses” (Matthew 6:14-15) God stands ready
and willing to forgive us, but asks that we extend the same forgiveness to
others first.

3. We owe others’ forgiveness even when they don’t ask for it.
“If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and
him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother” (Matthew
18:15) How often do we hold it against someone when they haven’t
apologized? When we are wronged, we expect someone to come to us
and say, “I’m sorry.”

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4. We owe forgiveness to those who don’t deserve it.
Jesus on the cross in the midst of his executioners: “Father, forgive them,
for they know not what they do.” Luke 23:34 Every time we find ourselves
having trouble extending forgiveness to someone we deemed
undeserving, think about how unworthy we are of forgiveness. Yet, God
saw fit to love us and forgive us.

5. Jesus, our ultimate example, practiced forgiveness.

“And as they continued to ask him, he stood up and said to them, “Let him
who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her” (John
8:7) Jesus calls us to examine our own lives first instead of focusing on
the actions of another. It’s easier to forgive others when we have a
understanding of our own shortcomings.

6. After forgiveness comes love (then forgetting).

“Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a
multitude of sins” (1 Peter. 4:8) Sometimes things happen in our lives that
we just cannot forget, even if we are able to forgive. While we may not be
able to erase our memory, we do have control over our actions. We can
love those who have wronged us after we forgive them. It’s hard to harbor
ill will toward those we actively serve, love and pray for.

Practice
Two ways we can put this topic into practice:
• Ask for forgiveness from God, by praying this prayer – “God, I know that I
am a sinner. I know that I deserve the consequences of my sin. However,
I am trusting in you to be my Lord and Savior. Please forgive me of my
sins. Thank you Lord, for saving me and forgiving me! Amen!" If you have
prayed this prayer, share it with your life coach.
• Ask forgiveness from the person you offended or forgive the person that
offended you.

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 20
BE GENEROUS
“Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory
and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours
is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all. Both riches
and honor come from you, and you rule over all. In your hand are power and
might, and in your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all.”
1 Chronicles 29:11-12

Let us examine our attitude about money. Instead of focusing on accumulating

more money, we need to first look at our attitude regarding money. Once our
way of thinking about money lines up with God it is easier to talk about other
matters.

Prelude
How are your money habits? How will you describe your financial situation in
one word?

eNgage

1. Why do you think God wants to give us wealth?

“And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the
Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” (1 Timothy 6:17)
God is the one who gives us the ability and skill to create wealth.
When things are doing well, it is easy to take all the credit for the wealth
we have and when things go wrong, we blame God. God gave us what we
have and. We need to be humble stewards of what he has given us. He
wants us to manage well the wealth He gave. We are stewards whom God
has entrusted a portion of His riches.

2. What are the principles of generosity?

a. We can give our time and talent not just money.
b. We need to help others.
c. We need to give wisely. You are responsible to be generous but we
need to exercise wisdom when we give.

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 d. We give with the right attitude.
e. Giving is not a financial transaction. We give without expecting
anything in return.
f. We give privately and anonymously.
g. We give humbly. Giving is a privilege so we need not be proud as it
is God who gives us the ability to share.
h. We must remember that we need not be embarrassed even if we can
only give a little. It’s the attitude and motive of the giver that matters
not the amount.
i. We need to replace pride with thankfulness.

3. How should we spend God’s money wisely?

a. We can enjoy life but we must be ruled by God not our desires. God
is not against our having fun or spend money on recreation as long as
we are generous and avoid the love of money.
b. We do not borrow. One of the biggest burden we may carry is debt. It
is an invisible burden that weighs heavily on us.
c. We must be a wise shopper. We need to strictly a budget. We also
need a checklist so we will only buy what is on the list so we do not
overspend.
d. We need to practice contentment. We can do this if we get our sense
of value and self-image from God, not from our finances and
possessions. We can do this because we are secure in God.

Practice
How can you avoid borrowing? If you are in debt, what is your plan to get out
of debt?

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 21
BE GRATEFUL
“It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praises to your name, O Most
High; to declare your steadfast love in the morning, and your faithfulness by
night, to the music of the lute and the harp, to the melody of the lyre. For you,
O Lord, have made me glad by your work; at the works of your hands I sing
for joy.” Psalm 92:1-3

Prelude
To the Life Coach or SWIM Leader – Bring a half sheet of Manila Paper or a
whole cartolina and several pentel pens. Lay it down on the table or on the
floor. Allow each member of your squad/team to write specific things they are
thankful for.

eNgage

1. Why should be we grateful? Who is the source of our gratitude?

“Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures
forever!” (Psalm 107:1)
The Virtue of Gratitude means we are practicing and producing an
attitude of Gratitude, of being thankful, even when we cannot see what we
have. This is an aspect of our worship of God to Him our appreciation and
reverence for how He has benefited our lives. Seeing life from the
perceptive of what I can't get or what I deserve rather than what I have
already been given will create grave problems. We must discipline
ourselves to see His gifts of love, eternal life, grace, and forgiveness-such
things that could never been earned or merited-so that we are willing to
grow closer to Him.

2. What is the attitude of gratefulness?

“And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were
called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you
richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing
psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts
to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name

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 of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
(Colossians 3:15-17)
a. Gratitude is an attitude of one who is in God. God has done so
much for us that there is no other response but to be grateful.
b. Let the peace of God rule in your heart. Peace is a calm
assurance that guards our soul. Peace of mind is something
that which cannot be bought but can only be acquire through a
relationship with God.
c. Carry out your work diligently with thanksgiving. Doing work in
the name of God means to do all work with diligence while
giving thanks to God.

3. How do we express gratefulness to those around us?

a. Thank You. The joy, an outgrowth of our gratitude, also inspires
us to act and to utter, in word and in deed is expressed in two
words – thank you.
b. Know Their Love Language. We express our love and
appreciation for others in the way we like to have show them love
to us.
• Quality Time – Spending time together.
• Words of Appreciation – Giving them cards, text
messages, letters
• Act of Service – Give them the gift of hospitality by
inviting them for a meal.

Practice
Express your thankfulness to each other. What are you thankful for each
member of squad or team?

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 22
BE GENTLE
“But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own
children. So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share
with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you
had become very dear to us.” 1 Thessalonians 2:7-8

Prelude
If you see the word “gentle” – what comes to your mind? Can you consider
yourself a gentle person?

eNgage

Gentleness is the virtue of doing your good with the least possible harm to
others. It is the decision to approach others from a stance of love—or at least
benevolence—rather than indifference, or worse. Gentleness is courage
without violence, strength without harshness, and love without anger.
Gentleness is a forgotten virtue because it is always related to weakness. But
gentleness is termed as “strength under control.”

1. What is gentleness?
“I, Paul, myself entreat you, by the meekness and gentleness of Christ—I
who am humble when face to face with you, but bold toward you when I
am away!” (2 Corinthians 10:1)
In this verse, Paul is defending himself from those who are
questioning the message of Christ and of his ministry and his humble
appearance. His detractors were saying that he is only bold at a distance
but when he is with them he is weak thus, questioning his authority. Here
we see gentleness is a strong hand with a tough touch. It is a tender
compassionate approach towards others. But a person who is gentle still
speaks the truth, sometimes even painful truth but in doing so he guards
his tone so the truth can be well-received. And as God’s people we need
to be gentle.

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2. Gentleness and respect are paired together. Why do you think so?
How do you respond to people whom you don’t like or those that treat you
badly? People who doubt you? People who always question you?

3. How can we be gentle?

a. We avoid conflicts. Pride leads to all kinds of quarrel.
b. Be gentle when defending your opinions.
c. Be gentle also when we correct.
d. Taking the time when we don’t feel like being gentle.
e. Thinking gentle thoughts

Gentleness is not …
• Being weak, timid or passive
• Withholding the rebuke
• Compromising as we always stand for truth.

Practice
I am gentle. I think, speak and act with gentleness. I show care for people and
for everything that I touch.

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 23
BE HELPFUL
“And the crowds asked him, “What then shall we do?” And he answered
them, “Whoever has two tunics. (clothes) is to share with him who has none,
and whoever has food is to do likewise.” Tax collectors also came to be
baptized and said to him, “Teacher, what shall we do?” And he said to them,
“Collect no more than you are authorized to do.” Soldiers also asked him,
“And we, what shall we do?” And he said to them, “Do not extort money from
anyone by threats or by false accusation, and be content with your wages.”
Luke 3:10-14

Prelude
The PNP’s tagline is “To Serve and To Protect”. How are we able to help our
community beyond our call of duty?

eNgage
Going through a hard time? Then help others who are struggling. It may seem
counterintuitive to reach out to others in need when you’re feeling so needy
yourself. But when you help other people, you help yourself, too. Helping
others is a healthy habit to develop, no matter what circumstances you may be
going through. While your focus is on blessing other people, you’ll find that God
blesses you in a wide variety of ways.

How do we develop lifestyle of helping others? Why don’t we help

others? What are our excuses?

DEVELOPING A LIFESTYLE OF HELPING OTHERS

1. Consider the many benefits of helping others. Helping other people will
help us: get rid of negative emotions like anger or grief, reduce stress,
increase joy, improve our physical and mental health, renew our sense of
hope about what’s possible, improve our sense of self-worth, and connect
us to caring people.

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2. Don’t let anything stand in your way. It’s easy to make lots of excuses
about why you don’t want to help others. Pray for the strength to avoid
making excuses, and ask God to give you the compassion you need to
truly care about other people’s suffering and the motivation you need to
help them.

3. Notice the opportunities to serve around you. Every day, pray that God
would guide you to the people He wants you to serve and recognize what
specific ways He wants you to help them. Keep in mind that we can’t
do everything, but you should do something.

4. Identify a special group of people you’re especially passionate about

helping. Pray about the distinctive blend of interests and talents God has
given you, and ask for the wisdom to figure out which type of group of
people you can focus on helping.

5. Learn the strength of compassion from the weakness of those you

serve. Ask God to teach you the value of human weakness and develop
compassion in you as a result. Get to know some people who our society
perceives as weak because of their profound need such the pwd’s etc.

6. Find gratitude and joy by being consistently generous. The more you
incorporate generosity into your daily life, the more you’ll notice that you
can thank God for, and the more of God’s joy you’ll feel regardless of your
circumstances.

Practice
Have you found a group of people that you are burdened to help personally?
Share your burden and you chose these group of people.

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 24
BE HONEST
“And they did not ask for an accounting from the men into whose hand they
delivered the money to pay out to the workmen, for they dealt honestly.”
2 Kings 12:15

Honesty is marked as being free from deceit or untruthfulness, being sincere.

The Christian life should be one marked with integrity and honesty, yet because
we all sin and find it easy to do so, honesty is something we must work hard
at! A honest life is important on so many levels from relationships with spouses
and children, at our workplace, and interacting with our neighbors.
2 Kings 12:15. – The temple of God was in ruins and the king at that
time wanted to repair the temple. So they had a fundraising program. They
placed a chest by the door of the temple where people can drop their offerings
for the temple. And when they had enough they gave the money to the foreman.
These foremen handled the money well because they were honest people.

Prelude
Who is an honest man that you have met? What does he do to demonstrate
honesty?

eNgage

1. Why is honesty an important virtue?

Honesty is of utmost importance in human relations. Every social activity,
every human experience requiring people to act in concert, is impeded
when people aren't honest with one another. Honesty is not just truth-
telling; it is truth-living.

2. What do you think the saying “Honesty is the best policy mean?”
"Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue, only a moment" (Proverbs
12:19)
Honesty is the best policy. We all want to be whole, complete, men
and women of integrity. The words complete, whole, integrity all share a
common value. A person of integrity is a whole person, or a complete

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 person. And in the end that is what we want. For in the end they don't say
at your funeral or write on your tombstone how much money you made or
your title at work, but what kind of person you were.

3. How do you think we can continually develop a life of honesty?

Honesty is best cultivated, like most virtues, when exercised and
developed in harmony with the other virtues. The more honesty is
exercised, the more it becomes a settled disposition. In three words: take
it seriously. Take recognition of the fact that honesty is a fundamental
ingredient for human exchange; it is a fundamental element for integrity; it
is a fundamental requirement for followers of God.

Practice
What can you teach your children about living a life of honesty?

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 25
BE HONORABLE
"Honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king."
1 Peter 2:17

Prelude
Is there a person in your life that you highly respect or honor? Why did you
choose this person?

eNgage

1. When you hear the word “honorable” what or who is the first things
that comes to your mind?
“So receive him (Timothy) in the Lord with all joy, and honor such men, for
he nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was
lacking in your service to me.” ( Philippians 2:29)
The word honorable means that a person is fit for honor and he is
capable of honor. It has to do with people and actions that are honest, fair
and worthy of respect. An honorable person is someone who believes in
the truth and always doing the right thing. He also tries to live up to those
high principles. An honorable person is someone whom we esteem, value,
respect and give high regard.

2. Who is it that we need to honor?

a. Honor God.
“Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and
power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and
were created.” (Revelation 4:11)
God is worthy of our honor. He fits to be honored. We must show
God honor from our hearts. We are who we are because of Him. We
should value Him and other as well and show Him the honor He
deserves.

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 b. Honor our Parents
“Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the
land that the Lord your God is giving you.” (Exodus 20:12)
This is not just for children as God doesn’t give us an age limit in
honoring our parents. If we have children, the best way to demonstrate
honor to our parents is to speak well of them in front of their
grandchildren. Maybe they were not good parents but it doesn’t
matter. We honor them not because they deserve it but it is the right
thing to do.

c. Honor Those In Authority

“Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is
no authority except from God, and those that exist have been
instituted by God.” (Romans 13:1)
We honor everyone with authority over us – people in
government, our teacher, our coach, our mentor, our boss. If you are
married woman, honor your husband even if you feel he does not
deserve it. Treat him like he is the man you want him to be with grace
and honor. And help him envision to become the kind of man he wants
to be.

Living with honor reminds us who we are, who God is in our lives and how
much God also loves those around us. When get rid of our own egos, we
become aware of the value God places in each and every life, including our
own.

Practice
Find a creative way to honor someone in your unit, department or in your
personal life. Make it special for the person.nTalk about it as a squad or team.

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 26
BE HUMBLE
“Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God
opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” 1 Peter 5:5

Prelude
Have you ever been humbled? Part of your training as police was to humble
you and rid you civilian life. What lesson have you learned about humility
during your training?

eNgage

1. What do you think it means to be humble?

“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others
more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own
interests, but also to the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:3-4)
Humility means having a proper view of ourselves in relationship to
God and others. It’s the ability to put the needs of others above your own,
respect the opinions of others.
Humility is experienced in how we think and feel. A humble person
has no need to defend himself. He has no emotional need to control others
as he is about the good of others. And he is willing to share. Being humble
is shown in how we treat others.

2. What hampers our being humble? Why are we not humble?

a. Our ego. We are born self-centered and thinking that the world
revolves around us.
b. Our failures. No one wants to fail; everyone wants to succeed in life.
And yet we learn far more from our failures than from our successes
or accomplishments.
c. Our forgetfulness. God sent us failures and we get humbled. Then
when all things are ok, our egos would get into us.
d. Our success. We have inflated ideas of who we are.
e. Flattery. The flattery of other people can get into our heads.

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3. What are ways to accomplish humility?
a. Common sense. If we know that we are nothing apart from God and
everything we have comes from Him then all and it’s a good reminder
for us to be humble.
b. Our family. Our family are the very people who know us and they can
keep us humble.
c. Our friends. Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses
of an enemy. Proverbs 27:6 Our true friends can help us as they can
speak the truth in love to us.
d. Our affliction, hardship. If we are afflicted, we know that God allowed
it in our lives to teach us a lesson about Him and His goodness.
e. Criticism. How do you respond to criticism? If criticism is true and for
our own good, we should reflect on it and thank the person for it. Then
do something to change our ways. If it is not true, then we can just
brush it aside and not retaliate.

Practice
What will you teach your children about humility and staying humble?

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 27
BE AN IDEAL PERSON
“But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness,
godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. Fight the good fight of the
faith.” 1 Timothy 6:11-16

Prelude
When we talk about ideal person, who is your picture of an ideal person? Why
do you say so?

eNgage

1. Who is an ideal person?

An ideal person is a godly person. A godly person is one who yields totally
to God in all areas of one’s life. He/she walks with God and endeavors to
be like Him. He/she believes in God’s word and applies it in every aspect
of his life by showing love and serving others.

2. What are the characteristics of an ideal person?

There are 6 characteristics of an ideal person:

A. Righteousness. This person pursues a lifestyle of righteousness by
serving, caring for the neglected and worshipping God.

B. Godliness. This person has reverence for God and has the desire to
honor, please and reflect God in everything.

C. Faithfulness. This person is dependable and trustworthy. The person

has great faith in God because he knows that on his own, he can do
nothing.

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 D. Godlike Love. This love is an act of the will that takes work and
sacrifice. God commands us not only to love our neighbor but also to
love our enemy and stretch ourselves.

E. Endurance. Our natural response to trials is to quit and give up but

being enduring bears gracious fruits in lives. If we endure, God can
develop character in our life through our trials.

F. Gentleness. It is our response to difficult people. Instead of

responding in anger or with impatience, he seeks to respond in a
gentle manner.

Practice
List other characteristics of an ideal person. How can you be this ideal person?
How can you develop yourself into an ideal person?

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 28
BE an INSPIRATION To Others
And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values
and customs], but be [transformed and progressively changed [as you mature
spiritually] by the renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and ethical
attitudes], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what the will of God is, that
which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His plan and purpose for you].
Romans 12:2

Inspiration elevates people. Everyone loves inspiration and wants to inspire

others. We love to hear or watch stories that make us feel good and we go back
to those stories again and again to be refueled. Even more than going back to
those stories, we love to hear those stories, we love to inspire others – we
would love to BE that story people go back to again and again.

Prelude
Do you know of a story of heroism? Please share with your group. (Stories of
heroism during calamity, pandemic, ordinary days, etc.)

eNgage
What does inspiration mean? Inspire means “to help someone or feel the urge
to do something.” Regardless our lives send a message. That message can be
of hope and selflessness (not hopelessness or selfishness). People remember
action more than words. Who we are truly matters (moral character and
personal integrity). Every day we have the opportunity to influence people
around you us. Our influence is only for a short period of time so we don’t take
it for granted.

Who is the living inspiration?

1. He is one who lives by his values.

Feelings and emotions are powerful, yet they are inconsistent. Sometimes
our emotions motivate us to do something but they don’t last. But
inspiration and good intentions together lasts longer. Inspiration comes
from a firm foundation of set values and this becomes more consistent.

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 +++ What are your personal values? How do you apply your values
in your life?

2. He is one who lives by example.

“Therefore become imitators of God [copy Him and follow His example],
as well-beloved children [imitate their father]...” (Ephesians 5:1)
We lead by example. People observe our action daily, so make sure we
lead by example. (Remember our children observe us daily – they do what
they see.)

3. He is one who learns by experience.

“… trying to learn [by experience] what is pleasing to the Lord [and letting
your lifestyles be examples of what is most acceptable to Him—your
behavior expressing gratitude to God for your salvation].” (Ephesians
5:10)
Life is challenging. Life keeps going no matter what happens. Life is
unfair but we can learn from life. Experience means personal encounter
and enduring a particular set of events. We can learn lessons from any
situation that will be us better and sharpen us.

+++ What are the lessons you have learned from a particular
experience in your life?

4. He is one who lives a legacy of love.

“Love bears all things [regardless of what comes], believes all things
[looking for the best in each one], hopes all things [remaining steadfast
during difficult times], endures all things [without weakening].” 1
Corinthians 13:7
We leave a message behind. Our legacy is vital to help others
continue on a particular path of life. Knowingly or unknowingly that
message is sent to our family, friends and other people around us based
on our daily action.

Practice
What message would you like to leave behind? If someone can describe you
in 1 word or in 1 sentence what would they say. Reflect and direct your life
towards the legacy you want to leave behind.

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 29
BE a Person of INTEGRITY
Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways
crooked will be found out. Proverbs 10:9

The word integrity means 1) an unimpaired condition, i.e., soundness,

wholeness 2) firm adherence to a code of moral values, i.e., incorruptible,
honor, 3) the quality or state of being complete or undivided, i.e., completeness.
Synonyms of integrity are honesty and unity.

Prelude
Can you think of a machine or an object that cannot function well if it is not
complete? (For example: a car without steering wheel, etc.). Please explain.

eNgage
Integrity is a God-like life of consistency and sincerity, with no deception or
pretense. Integrity's overriding quality is wholeness. In fact, the word integrity
is derived from the same root word as integer, meaning whole. In other words,
no discrepancy exists between one's public life and one's private life. People
of integrity have nothing to hide and nothing to fear.

1. What are the characteristics of a person of integrity?

A. Authenticity
“so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and
blameless for the day of Christ,...” (Philippians 1:10)
The old adage is true: Our walk must match our talk. We need to
live in such a way that our family, church, and friends will know that
who we say we are, we are. We live without duplicity or deceit. When
everything is stripped away, our name, reputation, and character are
all we have.

B. Honesty
One way authenticity reveals itself is by always speaking the truth.
Take note of a couple of proverbs: "The Lord detests lying lips, but he
delights in men who are trustworthy" (Proverbs 12:22). "The integrity

59
 of the upright will guide them, but the unfaithful are destined by their
duplicity" (Proverbs 11:3). We reflect God's character when we speak
the truth, for "God ... does not lie" (Titus 1:2). Honesty has always
been hard to find.

C. Conviction
Integrity is not only about authenticity and truth-telling; it is also about
convictions. A person of integrity stands for what is right. One cannot
be a person of integrity without deep convictions. They know what
they believe and why. Convictions are not forced on an individual; they
are beliefs and actions of choice.

2. What are examples of integrity

A. Integrity means treating people fairly and honestly.
B. Integrity is giving your word and keeping it.
C. Integrity means keeping good company.
D. Integrity means setting a good example.
E. Integrity means doing the right thing all the time even in finances.
F. Integrity does not lie.

Practice
How do you continually developing integrity in your life?

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 30
BE JOYFUL
“These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your
joy may be full.” John 15:11

God wants each of His children to experience joy to the full! We know this
because of His word recorded in John 15:11: “I have told you this so that my
joy may be in you and that your joy may be full [complete].” Notice when it was
that Jesus spoke these words. It was a strange time to talk about joy, for soon
He would be in dark Gethsemane. Shortly after that He would be facing His
accusers and hearing the taunts and mocking of those who hated Him, and
then He would be crucified.

Prelude
What makes you happy? What will make you happy?

eNgage

1. What is joy? Is there a difference between joy and happiness?

‘Joy’ is defined as, “the emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good
fortune or by the prospect of possessing what one desires…the expression
or exhibition of such emotion…a state of happiness”.
We must admit, however, that often we are sad, depressed and
gloomy. The Bible teaches that as a child of God, we should be joyful in
everything. Joy is deep and is not dependent on circumstance. Happiness
is based on our situation and is not long-lasting. As God’s people, we
should be always rejoicing!

2. What is the joy that we should experience each day, in all

circumstances?
In Jesus’ words in John 15:11 we have a three-fold definition of this joy:-
1. It is God’s joy. Notice exactly what He said - “…that my joy may be in
you”. True joy, therefore, is God’s joy, and this means that this deep-
down, unique and abiding joy is not found anywhere else except in
Him. There are other kinds of joy found in other places, but His joy is
found in Him alone.

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 2. It is joy to the full. Jesus expressed His desire by saying “…that my
joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete”.(John 15:11).
There is a great difference between joy and fullness of joy. Our Lord’s
desire for us is that we should experience joy to the full.
3. It is joy which ”remains”. This word “remains” indicates that this joy is
not an intermittent experience but a continuous one. Jesus indicated
to His disciples that they were to pass through trials and testings, but
that it would be possible for them to experience His joy even in the
midst of those trials.

3. How may we have this joy?

A. We have this joy when we have God Himself. In other words, if it is
God’s joy we can only have it by having Him.
B. We have this joy by complete submission to Christ. It requires
complete submission to God.
C. We have this joy by the indwelling and infilling of God’s Spirit in us.

Practice
What have you learned about joy and happiness in this lesson? And how can
you apply your learning from this hereon forward?

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 31
BE KIND
“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in
Christ forgave you.” Ephesians 4:31

Prelude
We have a program called “Random Acts of Kindness” (RaCKs). Do you have
stories on how police officers show these RaCKs in a unique manner?

eNgage

Kindness seem to be steadily eroding from our fast-paced eroding society. Just
look at social media and how people bash one-another – their statements can
be cruel, hostile and mean.

1. Why do we need to be kind?

Kindness starts with caring – being tenderhearted and compassionate
towards others. We must make our goal and habit to be actively looking
for opportunities to show kindness. “Little children, let us not love in word
or talk but in deed (action) and in truth.” (1 John 3:18)
In a negative world, it is easy to be negative as well. And sometimes
people need a reprieve from negativity, bullying,

2. What are the benefits of kindness?

a. It helps us to connect in a positive way with friends, family and even
our enemies.

b. It can boost our mood and well-being. It relieves us of our stress and
thus, improves our mood. When we are kind we tend to be happy and
being happy relieves us of our stress.

c. Our acts of kindness can inspire someone. We don’t know what other
people are going through and their challenges in their lives and when
we show kindness, we are able to encourage them.

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 d. Our acts of kindness especially the less fortunate can make us
grateful. When we compare ourselves to the poor, we feel grateful that
we are blessed.

e. Kindness can make us healthier. Negativity and bitterness can make

us depressed, stressed and anxious. And stress can increase our
health risks.

f. Our kindness to someone can bring hope to someone who is almost

giving up on life.

g. We demonstrate God’s lovingkindness toward all people.

Practice
As a squad (team), plan on an activity on how you can show kindness to a
group of unfortunate people. Make it a project of your group.

Examples are:
• Adopt a group of poor families.
• A feeding program.
• Go to a hospital ward and give gifts to patients.

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 32
BE A LEADER
“Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up
for her, … In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own
bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself.” Ephesians 5:25, 27

We suffer from a leadership vacuum in our nation, workplace and even in our
homes. We have too many leaders who believe their position mandates their
influence rather than their influence enabling them to be effective in their
position. Leadership is influence!

Prelude
Draw a picture of a leader. (No names required.) What do you think should be
the qualities of a good leader?

eNgage

“Leadership is not about titles, positions or flowcharts. It is about one life

influencing another.” John Maxwell. God has placed all of us in leadership
whether that is in our work or at home.

1. What are some of the characteristics of a godly leader based on

Proverbs 16?

A godly leader …
a. Seeks God’s direction in all decisions. “The heart of man plans his
way, but the Lord establishes his steps.” (Proverbs 16:9) Godly
leaders seek the Lord, commits his ways to God and allows the Lord
to establish his steps.
b. Is modest, not arrogant. “Everyone who is arrogant in heart is an
abomination to the Lord; be assured, he will not go unpunished.”
(Proverbs 16:5) Godly leaders are not proud or boastful.
c. Surrounds himself with honest and trustworthy advisers and listens to
them. “Righteous lips are the delight of a king, and he loves him who
speaks what is right.” (Proverbs 16:13) A godly leader seeks out for

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 smarter people who are willing to speak their mind and offer good
advice and be a positive influence to them.
d. Is a good learner. “How much better to get wisdom than gold! To get
understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.” (Proverbs 16:16)

2. Specifically speaking to husbands and fathers, what is your role as a

leader in the home?
“Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love
your wives, and do not be harsh with them. Fathers, do not provoke your
children, lest they become discouraged.” (Colossians 3:18-19, 21)
A godly husband is to lead his family. Each family has its own unique
leadership structure but the husband is the leader of leaders. The husband
is the overall responsible for the direction and leadership in the family.
a. Lead As A Father – He is the one responsible for raising, teaching and
training his children making sure that they grew up in fear of the Lord.
Men should not abdicate this responsibility to their wives. They should
take an active part in raising their children together with their spouses.
b. Lead As A Husband - The husband is also responsible for his wife’s
well-being. It falls upon the husband to take initiative in the spiritual
well-being of his wife. He needs to lead her with dignity and does not
belittle or mock her but hold her in high esteem. And to lead with
confidence that this is his God-given assignment and that his
obedience will reap rewards for his family.

(+++ FOR WIVES – If you are the wife and mother in the home, encourage
your husband to lead your home. What “submit” means is that you be the
encourager and supporter of your husband’s decisions. Do not take this
away from him even if he does not lead your family the way you want to
see it done. You can communicate with each other about your difference.
But be a supportive wife and learn to respect him.)

Practice
Each of us, let us text our spouses and tell him “I love you.” and how
much we appreciate them.

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BE LOVING Towards Others
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have
loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that
you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-35

Prelude
Define love. What is your definition of love?

eNgage

We are to love one another – easier said than done. Whoever said, “I love
humanity; it’s people I can’t stand.” is rightly said. People can be irritating. Even
people inside the church, we can give peace signs to each other but do we
really mean it? Sometimes it is hard to love even in our family.

1. How can we make love a priority characteristic in our lives?

a. Make it our priority. Every thought, response and act of good will must
first pass through the fine filters of love or it means nothing at all. “Our
responsibility as Christians is to discover the meaning of this
command and seek passionately to live it out in our daily lives.” Martin
Luther King, Jr.

b. Understand the importance of love. “And he said to him, “You shall

love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and
with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a
second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these
two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew
22:37-40) If we love one another, we will have no enemies nor there
be any crime. Love fulfills our laws because if we truly love each
person because he is a person, we will not try to violate him, thus,
never break the law. God established love as the impetus for
obedience.

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2. How can we demonstrate the virtue of love?
a. Love values the other person and his interests not our own.
b. Love is vulnerable to the other. Love opens up to the person.
c. Love entails a cost. True love means sacrifice and it costs us
something.

3. There are 3 forms of love that God has instructed us to demonstrate.

And each one needs to be balanced.
a. Loving God above all. How can we show love to God?
b. Loving ourselves because we cannot give out what we have. God
wants us to love ourselves and our identity in Him.
c. Loving others is the only way to keep God’s love flowing through us.

Practice
List 3 person in your life. And for each person, how can you show love to these
persons in a tangible manner?

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BE LOYAL
“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.”
Proverbs 17:17

Loyalty is remaining committed to those whom God has brought into our lives
and has called us to serve, even in times of difficulty. It is developing allegiance
and respect to one another, not seeking to manipulate the other person. It
exhibits our commitment to God and other people.

Prelude
Are you a loyal person? If a friend would describe you, will loyalty be one of
your qualities?

eNgage

Please ask your SWIM members to comment on each statement:

1. Loyalty is what you do, not what you say.

Talk is cheap. Loyalty is action, not mere words. It cannot and does not
thrive on mere verbal assurances, but must reveal itself in all that we do.
Our loyalty much produce evidential ends not just comments or by words.

2. Loyalty is a willing decision.

Forced compliance is fake loyalty. We must make up our mind to whom
we should align to.

3. Loyalty is demanding.
Loyalty has its demands on us. We will be called upon to do work we don’t
like to do (sometimes work that we feel is demeaning) but if we maintain
our steadiness and positive attitude, we will be rewarded.

4. Loyalty involves sacrifice.

Loyalty involves sacrifice. Sacrifice is the act of giving something precious
and of high value at one’s expense. We be willing to accompany our

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 allegiance to the object of our loyalty with regular giving of our time,
resources and energy. It may not be convenient but it is necessary.

5. Loyalty to God reaps rewards.

Loyalty to God in all its shades attracts rewards.

It seems as if loyalty is hard to come by these days. We can give up on each

other too easily: on our spouses, our roommates, and our friends. We can
tolerate silence in our relationships, not speak up about what we think and feel
and grow comfortable having no vision for each other’s lives. Loyalty is
something God feels a lot about and to be close to him and to each other we
need to learn how to be truly loyal people.

“Commitment means staying loyal to what you said you were going to do long
after the mood you said it in has left you.” Anonymous

Practice
Is loyalty one of your virtues? Assess how you do your work, how you relate
to your family and friends. Are you loyal and faithful to them especially when
times are difficult for them?

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BE MERCIFUL
“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall be receive mercy.” Matthew 5:7

Mercy shows up in our relationships: friendships, family, marriage, parenting,

work, people we meet, etc. Our natural tendency is to act in sinful, selfish ways;
it is only with a transformed heart that we can truly be merciful toward someone
else. God wants you to be an agent of mercy in the world.
“God’s mercy is His tenderhearted, loving compassion for His people. It is
His tenderness of heart toward the needy. If grace contemplates humans as
sinful, guilty and condemned, mercy sees them as miserable and needy.”
Millard Erickson

Prelude
Has anyone shown you mercy? How did you feel?

eNgage

Why do you think we should be merciful to others?

Here are four reasons to keep showing mercy to others.

1. Show mercy to others because God has been merciful to us.

The Bible says that God is merciful. It is emphasized all through the Bible.
There are literally hundreds and hundreds of verses that talk about God’s
mercy and his love, his compassion, and his grace. Ephesians 2:4-5
says, “God’s mercy is so abundant, and his love for us is so great, that
while we were spiritually dead in our disobedience he brought us to life
with Christ. It is by God’s grace you have been saved”. The point is: God
wants me to act in the same way to other people.

2. Show mercy to others because God commands us.

In Micah 6:8, God speaks through the prophet to give us three big
instructions for our lives. “The LORD has told you what is good, and this is
what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk
humbly with your God”. God says if you want a summary of what life’s all

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 about, and if you’re going to be in his family, this is what’s required of you:
You need to do what is right with others, to love being merciful to others,
and to live humbly in fellowship with God. One third of God’s requirement
for you on this planet is to learn mercy. Why? Because God is merciful.

3. Show mercy because we’re going to need more mercy in the future.
You’re not going to be perfect between now and when you get to Heaven.
The Bible tells us we cannot receive what we are unwilling to give. James
2:13 says, “You must show mercy to others, or God won’t show mercy to
you . . . But the person who shows mercy can stand without fear at the
judgment”. To be able to stand without fear on judgment day? It says the
person who shows mercy can stand without fear on the judgment day. It
isn’t the people who have kept more rules than anyone else who get to
face their eternity with the greatest confidence. It is believers who have
shown mercy to other people.

4. Show mercy because it causes happiness.

Showing mercy brings happiness. The Bible teaches over and over that
the more merciful I am, the happier I’m going to be. Proverbs 14:21
says, “If you want to be happy, be kind to the poor; it is a sin to despise
anyone”. Being kind to other people actually blesses you and makes you
happier in life. And mercy certainly produces greater joy in those to whom
you’ve shown it. Would you rather live in a world that is harsh or a world
where the people around you value mercy? You get to help shape a world
of mercy around you and allow more people to find freedom from their past
when you’re willing to show mercy.

Practice
Is there a person or persons in your life that needs your mercy? What will you
do to show them your mercy?

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BE MODERATE
“Let your moderation be known unto all men.” Philippians 4:5

Moderation, particularly is habitual moderation in regard to indulgence of the

natural appetited and passions; restrained or moderate indulgence (eating and
drinking) as to against gluttony and drunkenness. It restraint of violent passion
of indulgence of appetite. It is calmness of mind and frugality of expenses.

Prelude
Do you believe in the saying, “Everything should be done in moderation.” What
are the things or activities we have that should be done in moderation?

eNgage
Moderation avoids extremes, exercises restraints and is related to self-control.
Moderation is a good thing but is a challenge today with proliferation of
restaurants that advertises “Eat all you can.; Unli rice …” Advertisements
constantly tell us to buy things even if we don’t need it. Excess is not good and
we need to live by moderation.

“Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality,
idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions,
divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I
warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom
of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness,
goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no
law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its
passions and desires.” (Galatians 5:19-26)

Where can we exercise moderation?

1. Work
Let us be reminded to work to live and not to live to work. Our job is only
part of our self-worth and have other achievements in our life worth being
proud of that require the same focus and discipline. Balance is a key.

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2. Diet
Fad diets cause us to engage in extreme restrictions that tend to lead to
failure. Be mindful of what we eat.

3. Alcohol
Having one glass of wine (6 oz.) with dinner can help reduce the risk of
heart disease but when alcohol consumption is in excess it can also put
us at risk of heart disease.

4. Technology
Technology is a wonderful tool that connects us with others and provide
us with information. However, when the use of technology interferes with
our interpersonal relationships and hinders our productivity, it is important
to have moderate usage.

5. Stress
We need a certain amount of stress to achieve top performance. Yet when
stress becomes too high, performance drops low. It is important to
moderate stress level and recognize when stress is becoming detrimental
to our productivity and health.

Everything in moderation nothing in excess. Moderation is the idea that an

individual should avoid extremes instead focus on having a life committed to
balance and wholeness. Money and wealth can contribute to an individual’s
sense of security and the ability to live comfortably. But it does directly relate
to happiness. The key to experiencing greater fulfillment and happiness is
through moderation.

Practice
What have you learned from today’s discussion on the topic of moderation?

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BE MODEST
“Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have
rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward
appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7

Modesty is an outward expression of our inner purity. It reflects the inner state
of our hearts. Appearance and actions reflects the way we live. We present
ourselves to the world based on our self-perception. Modesty is not vain or
boastful but we need to consider what we wear or our behavior.

Prelude
Do our clothes, finances, relationships, speech, the passion we pursue and
food we consume reflect God in us?

eNgage

1. Why should we care about modesty?

We should care on how we reflect our modesty. Some of our choices (food,
clothing, spending, etc.) are a proper reflection of the life we’re called to
live. Many rich blessings add joy to our lives but everything we do yield to
our God.

2. Do you think there is a connection between modesty and humility?

Modesty is the offspring of humility. Humility is evaluating ourselves
properly with sober judgment. Modesty reveals where we place our
identity. How do we go about boasting? We live in an identity addicted
society - our self-worth is based on our net worth. Social media is often the
megaphone we use to herald our personal identity. What we post on social
media speaks also a lot of who we are.

3. What is the value of modesty?

Living modestly is not about your dress or your possessions, it is to
proclaim what is proper.

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 “Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of
your steadfast love and your faithfulness!” (Psalm 115:11)
• It is not about fashion.
• It is about who we worship (God or self?).
• It is about behavior and attitude.
• It is about freedom, not repression. Because it is not a list of do’s and
don’ts but the freedom to choose because the only guide we have is
“Does it glorify God?”

Modesty is a respectable manner of adorning one’s body and carrying oneself,

born out of a freedom from a worldly definition of beauty and worth and
motivated by a hatred of sin and a desire to draw attention to God.

Practice
Do you value modesty? How is it shown in the way we live and in the choices
we make in life?

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BE ORDERLY
“But all things should be done decently and in order.”
1 Corinthians 14:40

Being orderly means having a systematic arrangement or marked by having a

system or method.

Prelude
What comes to mind when you think of someone who is orderly?

eNgage
An orderly person is one who takes pride in making sure everything is done
correctly. He looks at the details and arranges themselves to achieve greater
efficiency by not overlooking key details, reducing clutter and looking at all
points one can save time, energy and frustration.

1. Read: Exodus 25:1-9. How detailed was God in what He wanted

Moses to do? How detailed are you when you are given a task?
“The Lord said to Moses, “Speak to the people of Israel, that they take for
me a contribution. From every man whose heart moves him you shall
receive the contribution for me. And this is the contribution that you shall
receive from them: gold, silver, and bronze, blue and purple and scarlet
yarns and fine twined linen, goats' hair, tanned rams' skins, goatskins,
acacia wood, oil for the lamps, spices for the anointing oil and for the
fragrant incense, onyx stones, and stones for setting, for the ephod and
for the breastpiece. And let them make me a sanctuary, that I may dwell
in their midst. Exactly as I show you concerning the pattern of the
tabernacle, and of all its furniture, so you shall make it. (Exodus 25:1-9)
Moses was God’s chosen man to lead the Israelites into the Promised
Land. God spoke through Moses and told him exactly what He wanted to
do – lots of different orders.

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2. How can we be orderly?

Here are a few suggestions:

A. Set Priorities – When cleanliness becomes a priority, you will clean up
after yourself. Make becoming orderly a priority in your life.

B. Set Standards – Recognize standards at work and home. Evaluate

your attitudes and actions based on standards of good character.

C. Get Organized – Make a place for everything, and keep everything

in its place.

D. Avoid Clutter – If you do not use an item, sell, donate, or recycle it.
Eliminate clutter in your life so that you can concentrate on what is
most important.

E. Put Away – Right Away – Instead of stacking papers, books, laundry

or dishes to organize later, put things away – right away.

Practice
How can you show orderliness in your life?

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BE a Good PARENT
“Parents, do not treat your children in such a way as to make them angry.
Instead, raise them with Christian discipline and instruction.”
Ephesians 6:4

Parenting is not an easy endeavor like using a step-by-step recipe. Every

person has unique qualities and characteristics specially custom-made and
crafted by the hand of God, so when a child is brought under the care of a
father and mother, or a single parent, the Bible does provide the foundational
guide for the essential roles of the parents.

Prelude
What do you think are your responsibilities as a parent? And why do you think
so?

eNgage

What do you think are your responsibilities as a parent? As a father or as

a mother?
A truly religious and spiritual parent treats her child according to the Biblical
model for proper parenting. These are some of the duties of a parent that are
taught in the Bible:

1. To govern with kindness

“Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.”
(Colossians 3:21)

2. To instruct children in righteousness.

“Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn
from it….” (Proverbs 22:6)

3. To provide for their children.

“Now I am ready to visit you for the third time, and I will not be a burden to
you, because what I want is not your possessions but you. After all,

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 children should not have to save up for their parents, but parents for their
children …“ (2 Corinthians 12:14)

4. To set a good example.

“Older men are to be temperate, dignified, sensible, sound in faith, in love,
in perseverance. Older women likewise are to be reverent in their
behavior, not malicious gossips nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what
is good, so that they may encourage the young women to love their
husbands, to love their children, to be sensible, pure, workers at home,
kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not
be dishonored….” (Titus 2:2-5)

5. Fathers are to direct their household.

“He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him
with proper respect.(If anyone does not know how to manage his own
family, how can he take care of God’s church?” (1 Timothy 3:4-5)

6. To discipline their children.

“Discipline your son, and he will give you peace; he will bring delight to
your soul.” (Proverbs 29:17)

7. To reflect God’s love in their love.

“Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake
instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then,
though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how
much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask
him!” (Luke 11:11)

The Lord intended parents to treat their children, His children, with patience,
compassion, and love, and to behave in ways that are in the child’s best
interests (discipline, teaching, providing for, etc.) Let us pray for God’s grace
as we sincerely try to follow his instructions in raising our own children.

Practice
Ask your group what their concerns about parenting they have.

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BE PASSIONATE In Life
“Dear Corinthians, I can’t tell you how much I long for you to enter this wide-
open, spacious life. We didn’t fence you in. The smallness you feel comes
from within you. Your lives aren’t small, but you’re living them in a small way.
I’m speaking as plainly as I can and with great affection. Open up your lives.
Live openly and expansively! “ 2 Corinthians 6:11-13

Passion is the inner spark provided by God’s Holy Spirit that ignites you to a
God-given purpose.

Prelude
What are you passionate about? (sports, movies, fashion, k-drama, etc.)

eNgage

God created us with feelings, emotions and to be able to feel all that happens
in the world. God made us different from animals because have emotions and
have the ability to be passionate.

1. Why do we need to be passionate about our work? How important is

it to be passionate?
When we are passionate …
A. We tend be more productive and focused. Thus, we are able to be
more productive and do more work.
B. We want to make ourselves better. Because we have the right attitude
about work, we want to develop.
C. We have a work-life balance. We are energy at work and when we go
home, we have energy for family time.
D. We feel successful and fulfilled. We are interested in the outcome of
our work.
E. We are able to manage our stress and our workload.
F. We are more creative and innovative and it sets us for excellence.

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2. Why do people lose their passion?
A. Unclear Purpose – A clear purpose creates passion. The greater
purpose in life, the more passionate in living.
B. An Unemployed Talent – God has given us certain gifts, talents and
abilities. He placed them in us for a purpose – we need to use it well
so we don’t get into a rut.
C. An Unbalanced Schedule – We need to have a balance in life between
work and personal life. We also need to take care of ourselves as we
take care of other people.
D. An Unresolved Conflict - Conflict is inevitable. It happens to all of us.
In midst of conflict that we are living with, we need to avoid three
emotions: resentment, jealousy and prolonged anger or bitterness.
E. An Unsupported Lifestyle – We lose passion in life because of
loneliness. We do not need to go through life alone, we are made for
relationships.

Practice
Successful people care deeply about their work. They have self-imposed
benchmarks about what results to deliver. Our passion is founded on our
purpose and it directly affects our attitude on everything.
What have you learned about passion in this discussion? Are you
concerned with just finishing your work or do you want to have a feeling of
accomplishment and satisfaction with your work beyond compliance?

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BE PATIENT
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness,
faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”
Galatians 5:22-23

Patience is a virtue. To be patient is to endure discomfort without complaining.

Patience calls into play some other virtues such as self-control, humility and
generosity.

Prelude
Are you a patient person? How will you describe a patient person?

eNgage

1. What are the different contexts where patience is demonstrated?

A. Patience is needed when facing a nuisance of some kind. It could be
a person or a set of circumstances that really irritates us. We love to
complain about it but we hold our tongue because its petty.
B. Patience is called for when facing boredom. When we are bored at
work or home, we often experience discomfort over a routine.
C. Patience is tested in the most serious or significant circumstance. If
we suffer in. some way, either physical or psychological or if we are
sick, then patience is needed. Or if we are caregivers of someone who
is sick, we need patience.

Patience with other people is difficult because people are imperfect. We

are selfish and annoying. We are egotistic which is a natural human
condition as we are just concerned with only our thoughts and feelings.

2. How is patience developed?

Patience is developed through experience. Pain and suffering teach us
endurance and empathy. When we experience mercy and forgiveness we
are inclined to be merciful and forgiving. Misfortunes are designed to build

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 virtue in us and it includes patience. Each nuisance, long wait, affliction
raises our threshold for tolerance and patience.

3. Why should we be patient?

“But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus
Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were
to believe in him for eternal life.”(1 Timothy 1:16)
Because God is supremely patient with us as sinners and He is giving
us time to change our ways.

Practice
Going back to our first question, are you a patient person? If not, how will you
teach yourself to develop patience?

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BE PEACEMAKER
“Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.”
Matthew 5:9

Practice
Have your ever been in conflict with someone? Have you reconciled with this
person? Can you share with us the story?

eNgage

1. What is a peacemaker?
A working definition of a peacemaker is someone who is actively seeking
to reconcile people to God and to one another.
The word peace is the Hebrew word shalom. Often used as a greeting
word or a departing word in much the same way we would utter “hello” or
“goodbye,” it is a broad term related to health, prosperity, harmony, and
wholeness. It means perfect welfare, serenity, fulfillment, freedom from
trouble, and liberation from anything which hinders contentment. When a
Jew said “Shalom” they were wishing on another the full presence, peace,
and prosperity of all the blessedness of God. Numbers 6:24-26 brings out
this idea very clearly: “The LORD bless you and protect you; the LORD
make His face shine on you, and be gracious to you; the LORD look with
favor on you and give you peace” (Num. 6:24-25). A peacemaker is never
passive. They always take the initiative. They are up and doing.

2. What is the method for personal peacemaking?

When someone wants to confess his/her sins to those she/he has hurt,
here is the process:
A. Address everyone involved.
B. Avoid and don’t use if, but or maybe.
C. Admit specifically.
D. Acknowledge the hurt.
E. Accept the consequences.
F. Alter the behavior.

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 G. Ask for forgiveness.

Then …
A. Glorify God should be your priority.
B. Get the log out of your own eye.
C. Gently restore the person.
D. Go and be reconciled.

When the person confesses and asks for forgiveness …

A. I will not dwell in this incident.
B. I will not bring this incident up and use it against you.
C. I will not talk to others about this incident.
D. I will not allow this incident to stand between us or hinder our
personal relationship.

3. Why do we need to become peacemakers?

When you put the above steps into practice, you earn a recognition
that far exceeds anything that you can imagine. Jesus said, “Blessed are
the peacemakers, because they will be called sons of God” (Matthew 5:9).
The word called means to be officially designated as holding a particular
rank or office, as when you name a chair or choose a captain or designate
a spokesman. Jesus is saying that as his followers become known as
peacemakers, they will be recognized as the sons of God who share his
name and share his mission of reconciliation.

Practice
We all work in an office where there is diversity. We have different opinions,
political views, backgrounds, regional cultures (Cebuano, Tagalog, Ilocano,
etc.) and religion. How can you be a peacemaker in your workplace and in the
family?

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BE PRUDENT
“Good sense is a fountain of life to him who has it, but the instruction of fools
is folly. The heart of the wise makes his speech judicious and adds
persuasiveness to his lips.” Proverbs. 16:22-23

A prudent person is someone who is careful or wise in handling practical

matters and is exercising good judgment or common sense. He knows the wise
things to do under circumstances could be to. Keep the mouth shut or
sometimes the most prudent thing to say is “I’m sorry.”

Prelude
What is the best advice you have received? Did you heed to this advice? Why
or why not?

eNgage

1. Read Proverbs 14:8. What does a prudent man do?

“The wisdom of the prudent is to thoughtfully consider his way, but the folly
of fools is deceiving.” (Proverbs 14:8)
A prudent man who is wise “thoughtfully considers his ways.” He seeks to
understand who he is, where he is going and what he is doing. He has a
moral standard and compass. He has discernment and direction. In
contrast to a fool who is destructive and self-deceived.

2. Read Proverbs 13:16. What is the characteristic of a prudent man as

described?
“A prudent man works with knowledge, but a fool flaunts folly.” (Proverbs
13:16)
A prudent makes looks for facts and accumulate the correct information or
data before he proceeds to act. And as he proceeds he is always ready to
absorb a greater depth of knowledge.

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3. Read Proverbs 22:3. What other things can we learn about a prudent
man?
“A prudent man sees the evil and hides himself; but the naïve keep right
on going and suffer for it.” (Proverbs 22:3)
He has foresight and is able to see a dangerous situation before he runs
headlong to it. He avoids it and makes a detour especially when temptation
comes along.
He understands that discipline is part of self-development. A prudent
man heeds to rebuke or constructive criticism pays attention to it,
appreciates God’s motivation of love and concern.

Practice
The purpose of our SWIM is for accountability and mentoring:
1. Do you have a personal mentor? Take the time to talk to your mentor
and thank him/her. Then try to set a regular time to meet with him/her.
2. If you have no mentor, find a mentor and it will be one of the best
decision you’ll make in your life.

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BE PURPOSEFUL
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and
not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
Jeremiah. 29:11

Our purpose in life is the very meaning of our existence and without knowing
this we often suffer ignorance of our own significance. We fall prey to the
illusion that our lives don’t matter and we have no connection or impact on the
world around us. Let us discuss some insights on man’s purpose earth and
living within a meaningful mission.

“You were made by God and for God and until you understand that, life will
never make sense.” Rick Warren

Prelude
Find a pen. Aside from writing, list as many uses of a pen.

+++ In all of the uses of a pen, you’ve listed, what is really the main purpose
why the pen is made? And in the same way, we were all made with a purpose
by God.

eNgage

If you want to find purpose in life, here are 3 principles in living a purposeful
life.

1. Live a life with a clear purpose.

Do you know what God wants for you? Do you know what you want to
achieve in your life? The purpose of our lives is far greater than our own
personal happiness and fulfillment. It is greater than family, career and
ambition. God has revealed to us the grand purpose of our life – to know
Him and make Him known.

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2. Live a life with right priorities.
There are many things we want to do in life. In a world full of things that
need to be done, we need to determine our priorities. How do we prioritize?
• Plan and seek God’s counsel.
• Plan and prioritize. John Maxwell gave us three questions are we
prioritize. First question – what is required of me? We do what is in
job responsibilities. Second, what gives me the greatest return? We
do work that would give value to our IPER or our job performance.
Third, what gives me the greatest reward? We do the work that is
personally rewarding for us.
• Your priority will always be your family and relationships.

3. Leave a life with passion.

What God has given us, we must do it with passion because time is
running out. Let us not just be focus on the physical and be pre-occupied
with the affairs of this life. It is time to be passionate about our relationship
with God. If you want to live life with passion, focus on serving others rather
than your own needs.

Practice
Get a piece of paper and draw “What is your mental picture of a perfect future?”
Then share your drawing to others.

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BE RESPONSIBLE
“His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been
faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your
master.’” Matthew 14:21

Responsibility means to know and do what God and others expects of us. We
are called to remain steadfast with honesty, admit our wrong and do all we can
to fix the problem we caused and the relationship we have hurt. It implies
accountability.

Prelude
What are your job responsibilities? If you encounter a problem, do you owe the
responsibility or do you try to somebody to blame?

eNgage

1. What are we responsible for? What are our personal responsibilities?

A. We are responsible for taking care of ourselves. It is alright to take
some time out from working hard. Sometimes the person that needs
us the most is ourselves. Each of us is responsible in taking care of
ourselves.
B. We are responsible to do what we can do. We say, “Sa Dios ang awa,
sa tao ang gawa.” Have you done everything you can do about your
situation? We have the. responsibility to try everything in our power to
make things better. Once you have done everything we can, realize
we can do nothing more. We must then leave it to God.
C. We are responsible in controlling ourselves (but not controlling
others.) We need to stop trying to control other people – it’s a waste
of time. We can’t control what others will do but we have responsibility
make our own decisions and choices.
D. We are responsible to connect with God. We need to take
responsibility with our relationship with God no matter what others are
saying.

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2. What are our responsibilities at work?
“Servants, respectfully obey your earthly masters but always with an eye
to obeying the real master, Christ. Don’t just do what you have to do to
get by, but work heartily, as Christ’s servants doing what God wants you
to do. And work with a smile on your face, always keeping in mind that no
matter who happens to be giving the orders, you’re really serving God.
Good work will get you good pay from the Master, regardless of whether
you are slave or free.” (Ephesians 6:5-8)

Our responsibility is to obey those in authority over us and obey them in

everything which means …
A. Working hard even if they not looking.
B. Obeying without delay.
C. Not complaining but be contented and thankful.
D. Develop wisdom and discernment.
E. Work with sincerity of heart and with all our heart.

Practice
What is your attitude about your work? How will you be able to transform your
attitude and say that you have “joy at work”?

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BE SELF-DISCIPLINE
“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the
prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all
things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we are imperishable. So
I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my
body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should
be disqualified.” 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

Prelude
Are you a competitive athlete? Are you an awarded marksman? Are you
physically fit? What are the disciplines that you have to reach this point in your
life?

eNgage

1. Why do you think discipline in our lives?

In our verse today, Paul trained for his spiritual journey like an athlete. The
reason being is he wanted to develop self-control to finish the race of life
without being disqualified. Godly leaders need to cultivate this same kind
of spiritual fitness. Doing so will affect other areas of our lives – how we
treat others, where we go for answers for major decisions and the skills we
use to accomplish our tasks.

2. Where can we get the power to be self-disciplined as mentioned in 2

Timothy 1:7?
“for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”
People who are self-disciplined are productive, dependable and influential.
To be an effective leader, one needs to be composed, have presence of
mind, cool-headed, patient and restraint. Self-discipline is needed to
stretch us beyond our comfort zones and areas of personal inertia. For
some, it is self-control over our emotions, will and mind.

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3. What are the rewards for being self-disciplined?
Read Proverbs 31:10-31 Although these verses talks uses an example a
woman who exhibited great discipline in life and reaped the awards from
her effort, we can learn principles from her on self-discipline:
A person who disciplines his character …
a. Is noble and greatly valued.
b. Gets the job done no matter what it takes and has full confidence
in others.
c. Works hard to make a profit.
d. Delays gratification and pleasure to invest her money for
maximum profit.
e. Generally participates in a larger community.
f. Have no fear of the future.
g. Is honored, respected, admired, praised and rewarded.

One last note, we also need SELF-DISCIPLINE IN OUR RELATIONSHIPS.

The people we associate with shape our character. This self-discipline is
challenging because it means evaluating our relationships, recognizing their
harmful attributes and acting to change the nature of the relationship.

Practice
What are the self-disciplines you need to develop? Why these disciplines?

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BE A SERVANT
“But Jesus called them to him and said, “You know that the rulers of the
Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them.
It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must
be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave,
even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his
life as a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:25-28

Prelude
Think back of a former chief or boss you had in the past whom you can call as
a servant leader. What were the characteristics of this person why you call
him/her as a servant leader?

eNgage

+++ When we talk about leadership we are not talking about rank and position
because we are all leaders. We influence other people, every person we
interact with. We are also leaders in our community and in our homes.

What are the characteristics of a servant leader?

1. Integrity
If we are true servant leaders, we cannot cheat, lie or manipulate our way
to the top. We are called to do something much different and entirely
counter-cultural. – to be honest. Integrity is an intentional lifestyle,
reflecting on over-all track record of honesty and of good character.
2. Humility
One of the most difficult things to admit to ourselves and to others is that
we do not know it all. We have to be willing to learn from and listen to those
we lead because we know they have value and worth. This also include
listening to our children and spouse.
3. Flexibility
Servant leaders are flexible. We have to be willing to adapt to situations
and our surroundings as we can thrown to unexpected situations or

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 challenges. Unexpected events can cause anger, confusion, panic but
servant leaders recognize God in every circumstance. We cannot control
situations but we can control our attitude towards situations.
4. Resilience
It is a quality that comes from building up endurance to the point where we
are actually thriving in challenging situations. Life will always have
challenges but we are assured of God’s constant presence who is our
source of our comfort and strength.
5. Stewardship
A servant leader sees people as valuable to God. We are stewards of our
possessions, time and talents as all these come from God. If we see
ourselves as stewards, then we call out what is good and true about the
people we lead, giving them instruction and encouragement in how to
serve God well.
6. Empathy
It is simply being able to put ourselves in another’s situation. It. It is
different from sympathy. It is understanding what the other person is
feeling. Yes, work is important and so does the accomplishment of our
mission. But if we are not careful, we can begin to see people as problems
to be solved instead of human beings to be loved.

Practice
Of the 6 qualities of a servant leader:
1. Which of these do you think is your strength?
2. Which of these need improvement?

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BE TACTFUL
“Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may
know how you ought to answer each person.” Colossians 4:6

Tact is wisdom. When communicating with another person, we should always

strive to use great care and wisdom in what we say, how we say it and even in
deciding whether to say anything at all.

Prelude
Someone said this is the typical question during Filipino gatherings. When you
are single, they will ask “When are you getting married?” When you get married,
they will ask, “When are you going to have a baby?” When you have a baby,
they will ask, “Kailan mo susundan yan?.” Or “Bakit ang taba mo ngayon?
Buntis ka?” So on and so forth. Are these the right questions to ask?

eNgage
Tact in communication keeps relationships healthy and mutually respectful.
There are verses we need to have in mind about being tactful.
“Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him
who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held
together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working
properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love. (Ephesians
4:15-16)

Three Questions We Can Ask Ourselves:

1. Does my speech edify those I am speaking to? Am I building up,

encouraging and helping the person I am talking to? Am I tearing
down or using my speech to gratify myself?
My mother used to say “If I have nothing nice to say, I better not say
anything at all.” It has insightful wisdom that can transform our speech. It
doesn’t mean we cannot say anything negative or offer constructive
criticism but we should consider whether our speech is helpful or harmful
before we say anything.

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2. Am I trying to avoid offense if at all possible?
Offenses will come and there is no denying it. In fact, we are encouraged
to not be easily be offended as we are also offending others. The word that
we sometimes misunderstand is the word “confrontation.” It seems to be a
negative word but it is not if done in love. “If your brother sins against you,
go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you,
you have gained your brother.” (Matthew 18:15)

3. Do I value the concept of tact?

We might hear of politically correct do and don’ts. Rage and outburst of
wrath are often glorified. Despite all the influences around us, we must
highly value and strive to practice tact. Communication is such a constant
part of our lives and tact in our communication is an important key in
building relationships.

Practice
Most of us have social media platforms. So what are some social media
etiquette we need to practice.
1. All comments, responses, likes, dislikes, rants, pictures, hashtags are
forever and are public. When in doubt and if you don’t want something
coming back to you, don’t say it online.
2. Pay attention to your purpose – don’t pose personal things on work
social media.
3. Beware in oversharing yourself.
4. Don’t live and die on Facebook. Facebook is just virtual reality, real
and personal relationships are better.
5. Don’t brag, complain or rant on social media. If you have something
against someone, don’t rant on Facebook, confront the person
personally. Think before tagging.
6. Don’t gossip on social media.
Act the way you want to be treated in social media.

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BE TRUSTWORTHY
“These are the things that you shall do: Speak the truth to one another;
render in your gates judgments that are true and make for peace; do not
devise evil in your hearts against one another, and love no false oath, for all
these things I hate, declares the Lord.” Zechariah 8:16-17

Trustworthiness is the foundation of wisdom and virtue. Trust requires

adherence to ethical principles beginning with faithfulness in our relationships.

Prelude
What would it take for you to trust someone?

eNgage
“Trust is the glue of life. It is the most important ingredient in effective
communication. It’s the foundational principle that holds all relationship.”
Steven Covey

1. What do you think are the ingredients of the “glue of trust”?

Our experiences as children can be critically important in how easy or how
difficult for us to trust people as adults. If as children the adults and other
people around us earn our trust by their consistent actions over time, we
will find it easier to trust other people. If people experience love, care,
nurture, dependability, reality, consistency and support are the ingredients
of the “glue of trust.”

2. Is trust important in all relationships? Why do you think so?

Trust is so important in relationships because we need to know who we
can rely on, depend on and count on someone in order to have a healthy
relationship. Trust needs a sense of comfort, stability and security that we
know what to expect from someone.

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3. Do you believe that “trust is slowly built overtime, but it can be lost
in a moment? How can you avoid this from happening in your own
life?
When trust is violated or broken the result is painful and depending on the
circumstances can sometimes be embarrassing. God has created us for
relationships based on trust.

Practice
If trust is broken, what can you do to rebuild that broken relationship and trust?
Are you are trustworthy person? Why do you think so?

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 50.
BE TENACIOUS
“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood
the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has
promised to those who love him.” James 1:12

We all experience ups and downs in our lives and sometimes these vary from
week-to-week, day-to-day. But occasionally we find ourselves in difficult
situations that seem like is no end in sight. God knows we will go through these
extended tough times and calls for us to persevere and be tenacious.

Prelude
Have you ever joined a marathon or a fun run? How many kilometers? Can you
share with us your experience? If it was a 5 kilometer run, how did your body
feel after the 1st kilometer? The 2nd kilometer? The 3rd kilometer? And up to the
finish line?

eNgage
Tenacity is more than endurance; it is endurance combined with the absolute
certainty that what we are looking for is going to transpire. Tenacity is more
than hanging on; it is persevering to the very end.

1. The word “tenacious” is not mentioned in the Bible but other words used
are “steadfast, purposed or determined.” A young boy around 17 years old
in the word of God named Daniel became a “prisoner of war.” Daniel 1:8
and 12-15 – “But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the
king's food, or with the wine that he drank. Therefore he asked the chief of
the eunuchs to allow him not to defile himself.” ““Test your servants for ten
days; let us be given vegetables to eat and water to drink. Then let our
appearance and the appearance of the youths who eat the king's food be
observed by you, and deal with your servants according to what you see.”
So he listened to them in this matter, and tested them for ten days. At the
end of ten days it was seen that they were better in appearance and fatter
in flesh than all the youths who ate the king's food.”

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 How is Daniel as an example of being determined or tenacious in his
belief and adhere to his conviction at the peril of his life?

2. “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you
know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let
steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete,
lacking in nothing.” (James 1:2-4)
Think of a trial/failure you had in the past. What have you learned
from them? Have these trials/ failures made you a better person?

3. During your training as a police officer, your tenacity was tested. How
were you able to overcome your difficulties at that time? What made
you determined to finish?

The sense here is that the Christian who perseveres in godliness and the
spiritual disciplines will be blessed in the very act of persevering. The more we
persevere in the Christian life, the more God grants His blessings upon us,
thereby enabling us to continue to persevere. The psalmist reminds us that
there is great reward in persevering in the Christian life. In keeping God’s
commandments, there is “great reward”, peace of mind, a clear conscience,
and a witness to the world more eloquent than many words. James also exhorts
us to persevere “under trials” because those who do will be blessed and will
receive the “crown of life” which God has promised. We need to be determined
against all odds.

Practice
What are your dreams? How determined are you in pursuing your dreams?
What are you willing to sacrifice in the pursuit of your dreams?

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 51.
BE TRUTHFUL
“… to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is
corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your
minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true
righteousness and holiness. Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each
one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of
another.” Ephesians 4:22-25

The truth is that we all struggle in telling the truth, the whole truth and nothing
but the truth.

Prelude
A pastor noticed a group of boys standing around a stray puppy. He asked the
group, “What are you doing?” One boy answered, “The one who tells the
biggest lie will take home the puppy.” The. Pastor said, “When I was your age,
I never told a lie.” Then the boy told the group, “I think he gets the puppy.”

Let’s play a game called 3 Truths, One Lie.

Each person in the group will tell 4 things about himself or herself. The 3
statements are the truth and 1 is a lie. Other members of the group will guess
what is the 1 lie mentioned.

eNgage

1. Have you ever lied (or lied upon? Has anyone questioned your
truthfulness? Can your share what happened?
“Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him
who is the head, into Christ, …” (Ephesians 4:15)
The entire Bible makes it plain that we must be truthful. It doesn’t
mean that we must share all our thoughts or be brutally honest. We must
speak the truth in love.

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2. Why do you think we need to be truthful to each other?
“Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate
hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one
another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other;
as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these
put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.”
(Colossians 3:12-14)
We must tell the truth because God wants to be united which comes
from knowing God deeply. We are all members of one body. We may not
agree with each other about some doctrine or opinion and it is alright to
discuss or debate but it should be done in love.

3. Is your relationship with others based on truth? Are walking truthfully

with your family and with the family of God? Why do you think so?
If there is deception or withholding the truth in our relationship, there will
be corresponding distance in the relationship. There must be truth in love
so that we can all properly relate to one another as God’s people. Truth is
at the heart of building relationship with one another.

Practice
If caught in a difficult situation, what is your first impulse – to tell the truth, to
justify what you did, to blame someone or to tell a lie? Would you like to change
this habit? And how?

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BE ZEALOUS
“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul
and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a
second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Matthew 22:37-38

The word “zeal” means to have an “ardor or fervor of spirit.” It means there is
energy and enthusiasm. A zealous person is one who is “on fire.” Words such
as passionate, loyal, heartfelt and sold out for what (or who) we believe in the
most. It is a commitment to this what or who.

Prelude
Do you have a sport of or a hobby that you are all out in? A sport or a hobby
that you are passionate about?

eNgage

1. We are all zealous for something or someone. But the one person that we
need to be zealous for is God? How eager are you for God? How is it
shown in your actions and attitude?
“If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself, take up his
cross and follow me.” (Matthew 16:24)

2. When God calls us to believe in Him, He is not looking for half-hearted or

partially committed followers. He seeks to raise up followers who are fully
committed and surrendered to Him.

3. We should also be passionate about our service for others. And this fervor
is evident in the what we do for others. How passionate are you with your
work? Do you do the extra to make your work excellent?
“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing
that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are
serving the Lord Christ.” (Colossians 3:23-24)

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4. As God’s followers, we should also be zealous in bringing others to God.
If we love God wholeheartedly, how is our love for others to the point that
we want to share our experience in God? How did God transform your life?
Can you share your story?
“We love because he first loved us.” (1 John 4:19)

5. A life transformed by God’s grace, obedient to His word, and passionate

in pursuit of His love is a testimony indeed. This zeal points others to God,
not drive them away.

A zealous man is enough to say that he is earnest, hearty, uncompromising,

thorough-going, wholehearted, fervent in spirit. He only sees one thing and
cares only for one thing, he lives for one thing and that is to please God.

Practice
For some of us, we have experienced this Squadding System for the last one
to three years, how did your squad/s transform your life? What is one significant
learning did you have?

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NOT FOR SALE.
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