{in-flu-ence} v. 
1. to affect the nature, development, or condition of;

Review

The review this week is not just about fruit that you're bearing, but about fruit borne by those who have sway and influence over you. This could be roles within your family or work, church, media, and social influence; consider how you allow friends, acquaintances, and even TV personalities to influence you. The fruit of the spirit from Galatians 5:22-23 is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. This is not about perfection in yourself or others; we all have flaws; you are looking for what is consistently produced.

Repent if Necessary

You can't make someone else repent, but you can repent of allowing others to bring about ungodly behavior in you. Who (or what) negatively influences your life choices, producing fruit out of line with the ministry of the Holy Spirit? You may need to ask a friend or God Himself to help you consider – and reconsider if necessary -- who you've chosen to follow, look up to, or allowed to influence your train of thought and emotional state. Ask God to prune or downsize the influence of these relationships.

Return (as necessary)

Ask yourself, “who could I put myself under that is currently maturing spiritually and could help me grow? Who would encourage me to stay connected the vine Jesus? Who do I know that is producing the fruit of the Spirit, someone I can align with to build spiritual strength and stability?”

Then pray for God to nurture those relationships.

Bonus questions:

• Who are good influences on me?
• To whom am I a good influence?
  

Micro-Meditation