BVOV Magazine 2013 - present

bitterness, no gossiping or ghting. Evidence: When we let go of anger, grudges and harsh gossipy words, we show that Jesus is at work in our hearts. He replaces all that negativity with peace, patience and self-control. Instead of holding on to hurt, we are healed and can show His love to those who hurt us. Christ In You: Jesus lls our hearts with His love so much that there's no room for bitterness! When we walk with Him, it's easier to let go of anger and walk in peace instead. Kindness and Forgiveness 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Christlike Character: Jesus is full of kindness and a powerful love that forgives completely. Evidence: When we show kindness and love, even when others don't deserve it, we show the love and forgiveness He rst showed us. This is one of the biggest ways people can see Him in us! Christ In You: Instead of trying to be kind and forgiving on our own, Jesus lls our hearts withHiskindness. His love in us helps us treat others the way He does— with compassion and grace. Your Turn, Superkid! Take a moment to ask Jesus to help you recognize the evidence of His love in your life. Take notice when He helps you use kind words, let go of anger, or forgive others. That's Jesus alive inside you, shaping your heart to be more like His.You don't have to do it alone— He's with you every step of the way. So get loud, Superkid. You are His microphone!Speak words of life, let go of hurts, and walk in His love. That'sHIMcoming out ofYOU! MAKE JESUS LOUD! Commander Kellie bitterness, no gossiping or ghting. When we let go of anger, grudges and harsh gossipy B V O V : 2 3 Commander Kellie's Corner Kellie Copeland is responsible for Covenant Partner Relations at Kenneth Copeland Ministries and is the developer of the Superkid Academy curriculum. Through her ministry and as "Commander Kellie," she ful lls the mission of drawing people of all ages into a personal, growing and powerful relationship with Jesus Christ. Let's take a moment to honor some special people: the fathers, grandfathers and those who step into those roles. My dad, Kenneth Copeland, showed me a beautiful picture of the love, guidance, correction and protection that our heavenly Father gives. Dads play a powerful role in our lives, showing us what strength, kindness and love look like. Whether it's your dad, stepdad, grandpa, uncle, pastor, teacher or coach, let's thank God for these strong men who re ect His love, encouragement and wisdom. Speaking of love, encouragement and wisdom, let's connect that with what we are learning. This year, as we continue studying Ephesians, we are gaining a deeper understanding of what it means to walk with the Lord. Last month, we saw that Ephesians 4:29-32 isn't a checklist of things to do to be a "good Christian." Instead, the behaviors in these verses are the proof, the evidence, that Jesus is living inside us and owing out of us. As I said last month, we don't have to perform tasks to qualify for His love; His love coming out of us proves that we are His children. Our lives are not about our own perfection, butHis!That's especially good to remember when we mess up. Superkid, let's pause and talk about "messing up." Sometimes we sin, like maybe lying, stealing or disobeying our parents. Other times, we make mistakes. Either way, Jesus is here to make things right when we come to Him. First John 1:8-9 says: "If we boast that we have no sin, we're only fooling ourselves and are strangers to the truth. But if we freely admit our sins when His light uncovers them, He will be faithful to forgive us every time. God is just to forgive us our sins because of Christ, and He will continue to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (The Passion Translation). Jesus knew we would mess up. So, He came to make it possible for us to live with Him, inside of us, in order to make things right. There! Now, take a moment and check your heart. Do you feel that peace? That's Jesus! Like Ephesians 4:24, The Message, bitterness, no gossiping or ghting. anger, grudges and harsh gossipy words, we show that Jesus is at work in our hearts. He replaces all that negativity with peace, patience and self-control. Instead of holding on to hurt, we are healed and can show His love to those who hurt us. ® says, "Take on an entirely new way of life—a God-fashioned life, a life renewed from the inside and working itself into your conduct as God accurately reproduces His character in you." With that in mind, let's break down Ephesians 4:29-32, New International Version. Building Up With Our Words 29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may bene t those who listen. Christlike Character: Jesus speaks words of life, encouragement and truth. Evidence: When we speak kind, uplifting words, instead of negative or hurtful ones, we show that Jesus is alive in us. Our words become tools to build up others, just like Jesus did! Christ In You: Instead of trying hard not to say bad things, Jesus changes our hearts so wedesire to speak words that help, heal and encourage others. His love in us helps us use our voices for good! Grieving the Holy Spirit 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Christlike Character: Jesus always walks in step with the Holy Spirit, listening and obeying with love. Evidence: When we live in a way that honors God, we show others His character and all the fruit of the spirit.(This is what the fruit of the spirit is really about!) Christ In You: Instead of worrying about making mistakes, we trust that Jesus helps us follow the Holy Spirit. His love in us makes us wantto please God and quickly get back on track when we miss it. Letting Go of Bitterness 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Christlike Character: Jesus forgives and loves completely—no grudges, no Making Jesus Loud!

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