When we’re out of shape we’re not very likely to start exercising. But if we start doing just one small exercise, the resulting increase in strength encourages us to do more and more – until our physical condition is improved.

Did you know that our character reacts in much the same way? If we decide to forgive, it makes us more forgiving. If we decide to give when previously we’ve been stingy, it will make us generous.

Who we are determines what we decide and what we decide shapes who we are. And that’s where God fits in. It’s when we receive God’s powerful love into our lives that we begin to behave in a more loving way. The presence of God’s love enables us to make the decisions that change our character.