Humans ask for advice all of the time. From colleges to clothes, to dates, to insurance plans, we routinely ask others for sensible suggestions in order to make the right decision. We turn to experts and authorities, all in the hopes that we can be certain of our next move forward. Because we obtain such good guidance from our trusted friends and mentors, we regularly forget to give credence to the innate wisdom and insight we gain from one of Christ’s greatest gifts: the Holy Spirit.

  1. Read Ephesians 1:3-14. How do you make most of your important decisions? Who do you consult the most? Has someone’s advice ever led you astray? Explain.
  2. What does the “inheritance” of Christ look like? What have you gained from this inheritance? In what way does this inheritance shape your daily life and decisions?

Thanks to the inheritance of our Church, we are born into a community that is committed to uplifting one another in a spirit of gentleness and grace. We will undoubtedly make a few mistakes and learn from our blunders, but we can rest assured that the Holy Spirit is ready and willing to tune us into the kingdom of God. Through the Holy Spirit, we have a powerful tool to help us discern one of the most important questions in making any decision: what good will this bring to the world? May we always take steps toward redemption and restoration, honoring our inheritance and sowing seeds of goodness.

  1. Read Galatians 6:1-13. What things make you “weary of doing what is right”? What or who renews your strength?
  2. Describe a time that you put aside your own personal desires in order to “work for the good of all”? What led you to make that sacrifice?
  3. What does it mean to “bear one another’s burdens”? What do “harvest” we reap when we work together towards a common good?

In closing, reflect on the words of St. Gregory of Narek from his Book of Lamentations:

“But if you, Lord Jesus, reach out to me in loving-kindness as I suffocate with sighs of pain, then, as the Scriptures promised, Your cure will cleanse away the greatest sins. And through your boundless kindness, I will be joined to you, with your image of light re-imprinted upon my soul. Atoned and re-established in your salvation, I will reach the immortal life of the virtuous and give glory forever to you with the Father and Holy Spirit. Amen.” (Prayer 27I)

 

By Kathryn Ashbahian

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Bible Study: Sow to the Spirit