There is no argument about how to recognize a Christ follower—you see the fruit of the Holy Spirit in his/her life. That is love, joy, peace patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). With that fruit in mind, let’s dive into Scripture a little bit more to recognize areas in ourselves and our relationships that the Holy Spirit is already at work and areas that we need Him to renew.

How do I recognize if I am being a Godly spouse?

• Love: When it comes to my spouse, am I patient? When it comes to my spouse, am I kind in my words and actions? When it comes to my spouse, am I being envious? When it comes to my spouse, am I being boastful? When it comes to my spouse, am I being prideful or arrogant? When it comes to my spouse, am I rude? When it comes to my spouse, am I being dishonoring in how I treat them or talk to others about them? When it comes to my spouse, am I self-seeking? When it comes to my spouse, am I easily angered? When it comes to my spouse, am I keeping a record of wrongs? When it comes to my spouse, am I delighting in evil or rejoicing with the truth? When it comes to my spouse, am I always protecting? When it comes to my spouse, am I always trusting? When it comes to my spouse, am I always hoping? When it comes to my spouse, am I always persevering through hardship? (1 Corinthians 13:4-7)

How do I recognize if I am being a Godly son/daughter?

• Goodness: Am I turning away from evil to do good to my parents? Am I seeking and pursuing peace? (Psalm 34:14)
• Patience: Do you have a compassionate heart toward your parents? Are you humble with them? Are you patient with them? (Colossians 3:12)

How do I recognize if I am being a Godly sibling?

• Peace: When it comes to my siblings, am I making every effort to do what leads to peace and mutual edification? (Romans 14:19)
• Self-Control: With my siblings, am I quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry? (James 1:19)

How do I recognize if I am being a Godly parent?

• Joy: When it comes to my children, am I joyous? (Ecclesiastes 3:12)
• Faithfulness: Have I made known to my children the faithfulness of God? (Isaiah 38:19) Have I modeled to my children what faithfulness to God looks like? (Deuteronomy 6:5-9)

How do I recognize if I’m being a Godly friend?

• Kindness: Am I withholding kindness from my friends and neighbors? (Job 6:14)
• Gentleness: Do I speak evil to others? Do I avoid quarreling? Am I gentle? Do I show perfect courtesy?(Titus 3:2)

As we reflect on these items, one thing we’ll likely get really good at recognizing is our own sin and all the ways we fall short. My prayer is that I’ll become really good at recognizing my sin, repenting of that sin and asking God to intervene and help me grow. I want to be able to recognize Godliness in my relationships and that can only happen through repentance and the power of the Holy Spirit.