November 30, 2022 • 24 mins
Today we are talking about what is Godly Character and how God has refined our personal characters.
Scripture: Galatians 5:22
Challenge: Spend time with the Lord this week where you ask Him what He thinks about your character.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:00):
Hello everybody and welcome back to Laughing Without Fear.
(00:13):
I'm J-woo.
And I'm Iz.
And we are so excited to be back for another wonderful podcast.
I hope everybody had an amazing Thanksgiving with their family.
Yep, yep, yep.
I mean, let me tell you, that turkey was good.
(00:34):
Mine was too.
Yes.
I just gotta say, brines are everything.
Seriously, they just make it so juicy.
And I haven't had a dry turkey the last three years and I'm thankful for that.
That's all I gotta say.
I'm most thankful for this week for soccer.
(00:57):
Oh man, I've been on the edge of my seat all week.
I'm so thankful for the World Cup.
But really, I know that's like a silly one, but I'm really thankful for being able to
text my dad throughout it and just having like a really fun time with him.
And you know, not living together, you know, in a same city, it just makes it really hard.
(01:20):
So that's like something we both like to share and enjoy.
So I love that.
I love connecting like that on sports.
Oh, I love that.
Yes, that's so amazing.
I know I think that especially when you're not in the same city, it's so nice to be able
to connect over things like sports or whatever with your family members.
(01:42):
That's awesome.
Yeah.
So today, what we are deciding to talk about is Godly character.
Wow.
Just a little light topic.
Light, little light topic there.
Yep.
Oh my gosh.
I'm so excited to talk about this.
Yes.
(02:03):
Well, we first wanted to start by having a definition of character.
So if you're not like, if you're like, okay, that's a big word, what does that actually
mean?
Let's break it down a little bit.
So Miriam Webster's definition of character is the complex of mental and ethical traits
making and often individualizing a person, group or nation, main or essential nature,
(02:28):
especially as strongly marked and serving to distinguish moral excellence and firmness.
Okay, Miriam Webster, I feel already challenged.
Yeah.
No, it's definitely something that I feel like we could all grow in.
I think my favorite, yeah, that part of moral excellence.
(02:51):
Yeah.
I just love that word.
Excellent.
Excellent.
Excellent.
Okay, I'll stop.
No, it's definitely a tough thing to talk about.
Obviously, we're not necessarily consider ourselves experts on anything, but we're just going
to kind of talk about our own personalities, our characters and the things that we've learned
(03:16):
from the Lord.
So, yeah, so we're just going to go through some time talking about what character is.
So my first question is for you Izzy, what is something the Lord has shared with you
about character?
Whoa, loaded question, J-Woo.
No, it's an incredible question, you know, because the truth is, the Lord has been really
(03:46):
speaking to me really in the last few months about what integrity means and basically how
to be myself faithful in the things the Lord has called me to do and not be swayed by all
the ups and downs that continue to happen.
(04:07):
And yeah, that's so good.
This is how I know it's also been the Lord because specifically, so even to narrow things
down a little more, he's talked to me about my routine.
And first, when I first talked about it with the Lord, I was like, okay, why is he talking
to me about this?
And over time, he literally, this is what I'm saying, this is how I know it's the Lord.
(04:29):
He was like, I just wanted to teach you discipline.
There's no way I don't like discipline.
I don't like having to.
I'm not going to lie, I think part of it is I grew up a little bit, I don't want to say
spoiled, but you know, just like, but just like my family would always be able to catch
(04:52):
me and maybe not be able to let me really step into those things and they would really
come in at the moment where maybe I needed to learn a few lessons.
Got it.
And the Lord has been like, Hey, let me teach you this because so good.
It's so wild though, because even at my age, like, I mean, nothing's nothing wrong, but
(05:16):
like that my age, but like what I'm saying is, I think the Lord continues to sharpen
us.
Yeah.
And I see that in myself constantly, right?
Constantly.
And he's just so good.
Yeah.
And he's like also like super kind to me about things.
And that's the only reason I know it's him.
Yeah.
(05:37):
I think any other time opposed to culture, I think a lot of the time we see like, get
yourself up, you got to do it.
Right.
Like it is very much like a pressure and I think it comes to more like a who wants to
be ahead, you know, and who are we not going to be like nobody wants to be left behind,
(05:58):
I'm going to just do it on my own, on my own strength.
And so I think that's when I know that it's like super gentle and patient and almost like
an unfolding.
Then I know it's the Lord.
Yeah.
So J Wu, I have a question for you too.
Okay.
(06:18):
My question is what is one way the Lord has refined your character?
Dang.
That is a deep today.
Yeah.
That's a deep question for sure.
Yeah.
Yeah.
I feel like the Lord has done a lot in my character over the years.
I feel like that was something that I really needed.
(06:43):
That going back to when I was 18, I mean, that's the reason why I moved into the discipleship
house that we know each other from.
You know, my parents growing up like as amazing as they were.
I feel like I grew up too fast and I was on my own a lot and I was in survival mode a
lot.
And so I didn't really get the discipline I feel like I needed.
(07:06):
And so that was the main reason why I knew I needed accountability.
I knew I needed discipline.
And so that's why I moved into that house.
So through those years and obviously since then, the Lord has really refined me and my
character.
I would say one of the big, some of the big ones is anger.
I was a really angry person before really short fuse.
(07:29):
I mean, I've, yeah, like it was really bad.
I had a lot of anger, a lot of anger in my heart and the Lord really refined that and
worked that out in me.
And I feel like as much of a justice person as I am, I'm able to say to, I mean, honestly,
I don't even have like, it's so hard for me to get angry now.
(07:51):
Like I don't even know it's night and day compared to where I was before with that.
I would say also another area, the Lord has really refined my character also would be
honor.
It's something that I feel like I had a lot of honor growing up.
(08:13):
Honor of authority has never really been an issue to me, but I feel like it's gone even
deeper.
And I feel like it's come, it's even come to the place of like loving every person that
you see.
I feel like that was kind of almost like, almost like mercy to like, just like when
I see people before it was like easy for me not to have grace for them or, you know, to
(08:36):
not honor them necessarily, but the Lord has really, really worked in me like compassion
and mercy and honoring anybody I come across.
I mean, those are kind of two combo, combo things together, but I feel like those are
some of the really big things the Lord is characters, things the Lord has refined in
me.
That's so beautiful.
And the thing is like what the Lord does a lot of the time in refining and character,
(09:02):
you know, it is actually to me a good reminder that it's the opposite of our culture where
we just want immediate gratification.
And that is just like, you can get anything super quick, you can log in and whatever it
is and, and, and feel that like instant filling.
And with character, like God's all about process and like generational things.
(09:28):
And it's kind of like the not very attractive thing to be patient all the time in our culture,
like the society, but God is so awesome.
And he thinks way different.
And I just love that about the Lord, like, yeah, he distinctions himself.
Like it's very clear what he does and what process is like such a step by step by step
(09:55):
and we are learning along the way.
And it's not like we can just sometimes jump ahead like we want to, because we want to
see those results and character, right?
Want to have those things.
And that's beautiful.
I love that you mentioned anger.
I think that is something a lot of the time.
I feel like again, this is just my experience in social media.
(10:17):
A lot of the time that is kind of elevated and said like, it's okay to be like, this
is your truth, but people get angry about it, you know?
And so I think that's, that's really beautiful.
Thank you for sharing that.
That's super cool.
Absolutely.
Yeah.
And Izzy, I want to ask you what, what is one way that you know the Lord is still working
(10:40):
on your character right now?
Oh man.
I, I want to say that having, I struggle a lot with being selfish.
Like I'm just going to be honest.
I love that we having this conversation side.
Yeah.
(11:01):
You know?
I mean, round three, we're already like here, you know, getting like absolutely raw.
So don't mind me, I can be selfish with my time.
I can be selfish with even things that I have and I own quote unquote, oh, and I actually
(11:24):
know because the Lord has talked to me about this.
It comes out of insecurity and maybe because a lot of the time as you know, how I grew
up, I kind of at some points of my life had to really just learn how to survive emotionally
and also being the youngest.
It felt like a lot of the time I wasn't really taking into consideration.
(11:48):
It was more like, she'll be okay.
And I am a very emotional person.
I was a very emotional child.
So I think that continued to like those things that my family would do.
I know they were out of love and they were trying their best, but it made me insecure.
It made me insecure.
And I think I might have mentioned stuff about discipline too earlier in our conversation.
(12:11):
It like never really refined those habits in my life.
And so I was just a very unstable, I think looking back now, a very emotionally like
unstable child and I just had to kind of grow up for myself and just defend myself in a
(12:34):
lot of situations.
And just if I wanted something, I had to go get it.
And so now I feel like these are my things, but really it's the Lord.
He's provided all along.
He's provided literally the right connections.
He's provided promotions at jobs and school.
(12:55):
I mean, just the school thing alone is a miracle.
So again, I can get really selfish about these things, but the Lord's always like, keep your
hand open, you know, even with again, those times where it's even the small things with
not just my time, but like how what I'm watching or like what I'm putting my, like, I know
(13:21):
that I want to take care of my health, but then I'm like, am I overdoing it and then
not spending time with friends and like where the Lord is like calling me to love on people?
Like I'm just selfish with my time, you know?
So it's a fine balance.
I think a lot of the time for me, but I know that he's continued to really speak to me
and will continue to work on me with that as well, to be honest, but yeah, lovely question.
(13:47):
Oh my gosh, we're just, well, I was just going to say, like as somebody who's known you so
like for quite a long time, like I can attest to see the difference in you from before,
even when we were roommates, like I can see how the Lord has worked in you and even just
in your outlook on things and how you turn to the Lord first before going to other things
(14:09):
that you used to in the past, like I can totally see how the Lord has refined your character
over the years and to see where you are now is so beautiful from where, I mean for both
of us, but you know, to see where we were back, you know, when we were way younger, like
it's just beautiful to see the process that you've gone through.
Thank you.
That's the time.
(14:30):
Yeah.
Oh my gosh, I'm going to cry.
Don't cry.
It's fine.
But I also have another question for you and again, we're just digging like we're just
like, yeah, shoveling, shoveling, you know, moving all the dirt around in our hearts.
And I'm just curious because I think a lot of the time our personalities, it's almost
(14:56):
like this biological given trait, but some of those traits are kind of, you know, so
up and down and I'm just curious, J-WO, what or how really has your personality affected
your character?
Yeah.
Wow.
(15:18):
Well, I mean, we kind of touched on it a little bit.
Like I'm a total justice person.
So I think for me, anger was a big part of that personality.
Like there's that righteous anger that builds up, but it can be in an unhealthy way, which
is how I was exhibiting it as a young person.
Unhealthily, that anger, it should be, you know, refined and towards like a righteous
(15:40):
cause where it was coming out in an unhealthy way.
I mean, I'm, if you like, an eogrammer, whatever, I'm an eight, I'm a challenger, that's my
personality.
And so I love to challenge against, you know, injustice in the world, which is partly why
I love being a missionary, but it has to be channeled in the proper way instead of it being
just anger or, you know, just all of that out there.
(16:04):
I think also like because of things from, you know, childhood or whatever, like I also
love to be in control of things.
And so I like to know what's going on.
I like to plan.
I like to see how everything is going to unfold.
And so control has been a huge, huge issue in my life too.
(16:25):
But trusting and having patience in the Lord has been one of the biggest challenges of
my entire life.
Something I still am working on.
And so I would say like letting go of control and letting the Lord, you know, lead me and
having patience and trusting that he is going to take care of me.
And even if I don't know what's going to happen, that has been probably one of my biggest challenges
(16:49):
as of the last, you know, few years that I have been working on.
Whoa, whoa, whoa.
Wow.
Just, yeah.
That is a lot and it's great though, you know, that you're acknowledging those along the
way and really like what we were given and being almost like a good steward of like, okay,
(17:11):
Lord, but now I'm going to bring it to you and you show me like what to do with these
things, you know?
Yes, totally.
Man, but like bringing it to the Lord, like sounds so easy.
Like, ah, I just brought it to the Lord, you know, but it's like, it's a whole thing.
Like just to bring it.
You know, to the altar, to the Lord and just being like, hey, yeah, let's get this refined.
(17:33):
Whoa.
Yes.
Well, I love you so much.
And just to tie all things in, there's a scripture that we want to share with everyone today.
And it's from Galatians 522.
And it really just talking about like the fruit of the spirit.
(17:54):
So let me just read that for us.
It is the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness,
gentleness and self-control.
Those are just like wonderful things that now because Jesus is gone.
(18:17):
We still have the Holy Spirit, you know?
Yeah.
And I think that he is so clear about what he values and what should be part of our lives.
And it's what I love about this is that this is a gift.
Like we already are giving this as a gift because the Holy Spirit is a gift to us.
And so I just get like totally beyond just, I feel like in a cool way, like a fresh wave
(18:45):
and like a mess that I'm walking into spiritually with these characteristics of how we can step
in and grab a hold of love, grab a hold of joy, grab a hold of patience, oof, that patience.
You know?
So, yes.
Yeah.
I think also like one of the beautiful things about this is like, it's a roadmap.
(19:07):
Like we don't have to fumble around and wonder like, what qualities do I need to have in
myself?
Like he beautifully lays it out for us.
Like, hey, this is what it looks like.
And you can say, okay, I know that I do not have that right now and I need that.
And so it's just like this, I don't know, it's just like it's nice to be able to like
say, okay, this is where I'm at.
(19:28):
This is where I need to be and be like, okay, God, you need to help me get there.
Like I just, I like that.
I mean, like for me, like somebody who likes to know what's going on, I like to have a
clear picture of like, what do I need to look like?
I may not be there, but I know where I'm going.
You know?
So good.
And like, I think for me, what I think about is as children of God, you know, we were also
(19:51):
giving these traits and giving these, I kind of being passed down to us.
And kind of, I think we talked about a little bit about personality and I think with being
adopted by the Lord, you know, spiritually, we're just giving these.
I kind of sense that in my spirit.
But a lot of the time when it's like, you can, like this is something I'm passing down
(20:14):
to you and it comes with it.
It just comes like, I don't have, you don't have to work for these necessarily.
Like, right.
You know, he's just like, here they are, you know, and I love what you said.
It's like a roadmap.
Like this is what we have.
And he doesn't confuse us.
I love that about the Lord.
He's all about like, Hey, like I'm clear.
I am consistent and I'm faithful and loving.
(20:37):
Like these are like loving things that a parent would do.
So it is, uh, just think it's, it's almost like Christmas.
I already feel like I'm unveiling my Christmas present of joy and patience.
And like, ah, what do I do with these?
Yes.
No, it's so good.
(20:57):
And I think also like, like you were saying, like they're gifts from God and both from
the Holy spirit.
So it's not like it's something we have to like muster up or like, Oh, if I only was
better at this, like it's, it's through the Holy spirit that these, that these things
are in our life.
You know what I mean?
Love it.
So it's not out of our striving.
Yeah.
I just love that about the Lord.
(21:19):
Well, as we're just finishing up our time together, we have a little cho cho cho challenge.
Yes.
Yes, we do.
So, um, just in this, this next week, our challenge to you is to spend some time with
the Lord where you ask him, what does he think about your character?
(21:41):
That's our challenge.
Yeah.
And I know that he, oh, sorry.
I just, I know that he's going to be faithful to speak to every person that, that really
like takes time to ask the Lord this.
Like he's so faithful.
So if you just take some time in a moment to ask him about it, he's going to speak to
you.
I love that because yeah.
(22:02):
Yeah.
And God is so wonderful about like teaching us.
Like that's like, you know, he was, you know, his disciples be like rabbi.
And like when you think of a rabbi, it's a teacher is someone who can let us know, hey,
you know, let me show you what this is like.
And I'm happy to like he is happy to come to, to him and say all the things he wants
(22:27):
to, you know, speak to us about.
So, uh, J.Woo, that's a lovely challenge.
A little tough, a little like borderline intimidating.
I'm not going to lie, but kind of exciting.
Cause like I know that, okay.
So I know even if it's just spending time with the Lord, that's already sometimes a
challenge for people.
So that's true.
(22:47):
Just take it one day at a time.
Maybe it's a process too of like, Hey, talking to the Lord about some stuff and then going
in through throughout the week and asking him about that.
Uh, I'm going to miss you guys again for another week.
Like what I just think about all of you throughout the week.
I'm like, I wonder about this and about that.
(23:09):
And I just love you all so much.
Uh, is, do you want to pray for us as we close out?
Yes.
I can't wait.
Hmm.
Lord, thank you so much for this time together and being able to gather one more time, one
more week and really put you at the center.
Lord, I thank you that your values are just part of who you are and that we're able to
(23:33):
access those anytime.
Lord, whatever you want to teach us, we just say yes and amen to your promises.
Holy spirit, guide us this week.
We thank you Lord.
We praise you.
We honor you.
And we just give you glory today in this time.
Hmm.
I pray protection of all of us in Jesus name in this whole week.
Amen.
(23:54):
Amen.
So good.
I think that God is going to just really reveal some stuff to all of us this week and I'm,
I'm very excited for it.
Yep.
Yep.
Yep.
All right.
See you all later.
Yes, we'll see you next week.
Bye.
Bye.
Bye.
Bye.
Hello everybody and welcome back to Laughing Without Fear.
(00:13):
I'm J-woo.
And I'm Iz.
And we are so excited to be back for another wonderful podcast.
I hope everybody had an amazing Thanksgiving with their family.
Yep, yep, yep.
I mean, let me tell you, that turkey was good.
(00:34):
Mine was too.
Yes.
I just gotta say, brines are everything.
Seriously, they just make it so juicy.
And I haven't had a dry turkey the last three years and I'm thankful for that.
That's all I gotta say.
I'm most thankful for this week for soccer.
(00:57):
Oh man, I've been on the edge of my seat all week.
I'm so thankful for the World Cup.
But really, I know that's like a silly one, but I'm really thankful for being able to
text my dad throughout it and just having like a really fun time with him.
And you know, not living together, you know, in a same city, it just makes it really hard.
(01:20):
So that's like something we both like to share and enjoy.
So I love that.
I love connecting like that on sports.
Oh, I love that.
Yes, that's so amazing.
I know I think that especially when you're not in the same city, it's so nice to be able
to connect over things like sports or whatever with your family members.
(01:42):
That's awesome.
Yeah.
So today, what we are deciding to talk about is Godly character.
Wow.
Just a little light topic.
Light, little light topic there.
Yep.
Oh my gosh.
I'm so excited to talk about this.
Yes.
(02:03):
Well, we first wanted to start by having a definition of character.
So if you're not like, if you're like, okay, that's a big word, what does that actually
mean?
Let's break it down a little bit.
So Miriam Webster's definition of character is the complex of mental and ethical traits
making and often individualizing a person, group or nation, main or essential nature,
(02:28):
especially as strongly marked and serving to distinguish moral excellence and firmness.
Okay, Miriam Webster, I feel already challenged.
Yeah.
No, it's definitely something that I feel like we could all grow in.
I think my favorite, yeah, that part of moral excellence.
(02:51):
Yeah.
I just love that word.
Excellent.
Excellent.
Excellent.
Okay, I'll stop.
No, it's definitely a tough thing to talk about.
Obviously, we're not necessarily consider ourselves experts on anything, but we're just going
to kind of talk about our own personalities, our characters and the things that we've learned
(03:16):
from the Lord.
So, yeah, so we're just going to go through some time talking about what character is.
So my first question is for you Izzy, what is something the Lord has shared with you
about character?
Whoa, loaded question, J-Woo.
No, it's an incredible question, you know, because the truth is, the Lord has been really
(03:46):
speaking to me really in the last few months about what integrity means and basically how
to be myself faithful in the things the Lord has called me to do and not be swayed by all
the ups and downs that continue to happen.
(04:07):
And yeah, that's so good.
This is how I know it's also been the Lord because specifically, so even to narrow things
down a little more, he's talked to me about my routine.
And first, when I first talked about it with the Lord, I was like, okay, why is he talking
to me about this?
And over time, he literally, this is what I'm saying, this is how I know it's the Lord.
(04:29):
He was like, I just wanted to teach you discipline.
There's no way I don't like discipline.
I don't like having to.
I'm not going to lie, I think part of it is I grew up a little bit, I don't want to say
spoiled, but you know, just like, but just like my family would always be able to catch
(04:52):
me and maybe not be able to let me really step into those things and they would really
come in at the moment where maybe I needed to learn a few lessons.
Got it.
And the Lord has been like, Hey, let me teach you this because so good.
It's so wild though, because even at my age, like, I mean, nothing's nothing wrong, but
(05:16):
like that my age, but like what I'm saying is, I think the Lord continues to sharpen
us.
Yeah.
And I see that in myself constantly, right?
Constantly.
And he's just so good.
Yeah.
And he's like also like super kind to me about things.
And that's the only reason I know it's him.
Yeah.
(05:37):
I think any other time opposed to culture, I think a lot of the time we see like, get
yourself up, you got to do it.
Right.
Like it is very much like a pressure and I think it comes to more like a who wants to
be ahead, you know, and who are we not going to be like nobody wants to be left behind,
(05:58):
I'm going to just do it on my own, on my own strength.
And so I think that's when I know that it's like super gentle and patient and almost like
an unfolding.
Then I know it's the Lord.
Yeah.
So J Wu, I have a question for you too.
Okay.
(06:18):
My question is what is one way the Lord has refined your character?
Dang.
That is a deep today.
Yeah.
That's a deep question for sure.
Yeah.
Yeah.
I feel like the Lord has done a lot in my character over the years.
I feel like that was something that I really needed.
(06:43):
That going back to when I was 18, I mean, that's the reason why I moved into the discipleship
house that we know each other from.
You know, my parents growing up like as amazing as they were.
I feel like I grew up too fast and I was on my own a lot and I was in survival mode a
lot.
And so I didn't really get the discipline I feel like I needed.
(07:06):
And so that was the main reason why I knew I needed accountability.
I knew I needed discipline.
And so that's why I moved into that house.
So through those years and obviously since then, the Lord has really refined me and my
character.
I would say one of the big, some of the big ones is anger.
I was a really angry person before really short fuse.
(07:29):
I mean, I've, yeah, like it was really bad.
I had a lot of anger, a lot of anger in my heart and the Lord really refined that and
worked that out in me.
And I feel like as much of a justice person as I am, I'm able to say to, I mean, honestly,
I don't even have like, it's so hard for me to get angry now.
(07:51):
Like I don't even know it's night and day compared to where I was before with that.
I would say also another area, the Lord has really refined my character also would be
honor.
It's something that I feel like I had a lot of honor growing up.
(08:13):
Honor of authority has never really been an issue to me, but I feel like it's gone even
deeper.
And I feel like it's come, it's even come to the place of like loving every person that
you see.
I feel like that was kind of almost like, almost like mercy to like, just like when
I see people before it was like easy for me not to have grace for them or, you know, to
(08:36):
not honor them necessarily, but the Lord has really, really worked in me like compassion
and mercy and honoring anybody I come across.
I mean, those are kind of two combo, combo things together, but I feel like those are
some of the really big things the Lord is characters, things the Lord has refined in
me.
That's so beautiful.
And the thing is like what the Lord does a lot of the time in refining and character,
(09:02):
you know, it is actually to me a good reminder that it's the opposite of our culture where
we just want immediate gratification.
And that is just like, you can get anything super quick, you can log in and whatever it
is and, and, and feel that like instant filling.
And with character, like God's all about process and like generational things.
(09:28):
And it's kind of like the not very attractive thing to be patient all the time in our culture,
like the society, but God is so awesome.
And he thinks way different.
And I just love that about the Lord, like, yeah, he distinctions himself.
Like it's very clear what he does and what process is like such a step by step by step
(09:55):
and we are learning along the way.
And it's not like we can just sometimes jump ahead like we want to, because we want to
see those results and character, right?
Want to have those things.
And that's beautiful.
I love that you mentioned anger.
I think that is something a lot of the time.
I feel like again, this is just my experience in social media.
(10:17):
A lot of the time that is kind of elevated and said like, it's okay to be like, this
is your truth, but people get angry about it, you know?
And so I think that's, that's really beautiful.
Thank you for sharing that.
That's super cool.
Absolutely.
Yeah.
And Izzy, I want to ask you what, what is one way that you know the Lord is still working
(10:40):
on your character right now?
Oh man.
I, I want to say that having, I struggle a lot with being selfish.
Like I'm just going to be honest.
I love that we having this conversation side.
Yeah.
(11:01):
You know?
I mean, round three, we're already like here, you know, getting like absolutely raw.
So don't mind me, I can be selfish with my time.
I can be selfish with even things that I have and I own quote unquote, oh, and I actually
(11:24):
know because the Lord has talked to me about this.
It comes out of insecurity and maybe because a lot of the time as you know, how I grew
up, I kind of at some points of my life had to really just learn how to survive emotionally
and also being the youngest.
It felt like a lot of the time I wasn't really taking into consideration.
(11:48):
It was more like, she'll be okay.
And I am a very emotional person.
I was a very emotional child.
So I think that continued to like those things that my family would do.
I know they were out of love and they were trying their best, but it made me insecure.
It made me insecure.
And I think I might have mentioned stuff about discipline too earlier in our conversation.
(12:11):
It like never really refined those habits in my life.
And so I was just a very unstable, I think looking back now, a very emotionally like
unstable child and I just had to kind of grow up for myself and just defend myself in a
(12:34):
lot of situations.
And just if I wanted something, I had to go get it.
And so now I feel like these are my things, but really it's the Lord.
He's provided all along.
He's provided literally the right connections.
He's provided promotions at jobs and school.
(12:55):
I mean, just the school thing alone is a miracle.
So again, I can get really selfish about these things, but the Lord's always like, keep your
hand open, you know, even with again, those times where it's even the small things with
not just my time, but like how what I'm watching or like what I'm putting my, like, I know
(13:21):
that I want to take care of my health, but then I'm like, am I overdoing it and then
not spending time with friends and like where the Lord is like calling me to love on people?
Like I'm just selfish with my time, you know?
So it's a fine balance.
I think a lot of the time for me, but I know that he's continued to really speak to me
and will continue to work on me with that as well, to be honest, but yeah, lovely question.
(13:47):
Oh my gosh, we're just, well, I was just going to say, like as somebody who's known you so
like for quite a long time, like I can attest to see the difference in you from before,
even when we were roommates, like I can see how the Lord has worked in you and even just
in your outlook on things and how you turn to the Lord first before going to other things
(14:09):
that you used to in the past, like I can totally see how the Lord has refined your character
over the years and to see where you are now is so beautiful from where, I mean for both
of us, but you know, to see where we were back, you know, when we were way younger, like
it's just beautiful to see the process that you've gone through.
Thank you.
That's the time.
(14:30):
Yeah.
Oh my gosh, I'm going to cry.
Don't cry.
It's fine.
But I also have another question for you and again, we're just digging like we're just
like, yeah, shoveling, shoveling, you know, moving all the dirt around in our hearts.
And I'm just curious because I think a lot of the time our personalities, it's almost
(14:56):
like this biological given trait, but some of those traits are kind of, you know, so
up and down and I'm just curious, J-WO, what or how really has your personality affected
your character?
Yeah.
Wow.
(15:18):
Well, I mean, we kind of touched on it a little bit.
Like I'm a total justice person.
So I think for me, anger was a big part of that personality.
Like there's that righteous anger that builds up, but it can be in an unhealthy way, which
is how I was exhibiting it as a young person.
Unhealthily, that anger, it should be, you know, refined and towards like a righteous
(15:40):
cause where it was coming out in an unhealthy way.
I mean, I'm, if you like, an eogrammer, whatever, I'm an eight, I'm a challenger, that's my
personality.
And so I love to challenge against, you know, injustice in the world, which is partly why
I love being a missionary, but it has to be channeled in the proper way instead of it being
just anger or, you know, just all of that out there.
(16:04):
I think also like because of things from, you know, childhood or whatever, like I also
love to be in control of things.
And so I like to know what's going on.
I like to plan.
I like to see how everything is going to unfold.
And so control has been a huge, huge issue in my life too.
(16:25):
But trusting and having patience in the Lord has been one of the biggest challenges of
my entire life.
Something I still am working on.
And so I would say like letting go of control and letting the Lord, you know, lead me and
having patience and trusting that he is going to take care of me.
And even if I don't know what's going to happen, that has been probably one of my biggest challenges
(16:49):
as of the last, you know, few years that I have been working on.
Whoa, whoa, whoa.
Wow.
Just, yeah.
That is a lot and it's great though, you know, that you're acknowledging those along the
way and really like what we were given and being almost like a good steward of like, okay,
(17:11):
Lord, but now I'm going to bring it to you and you show me like what to do with these
things, you know?
Yes, totally.
Man, but like bringing it to the Lord, like sounds so easy.
Like, ah, I just brought it to the Lord, you know, but it's like, it's a whole thing.
Like just to bring it.
You know, to the altar, to the Lord and just being like, hey, yeah, let's get this refined.
(17:33):
Whoa.
Yes.
Well, I love you so much.
And just to tie all things in, there's a scripture that we want to share with everyone today.
And it's from Galatians 522.
And it really just talking about like the fruit of the spirit.
(17:54):
So let me just read that for us.
It is the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness,
gentleness and self-control.
Those are just like wonderful things that now because Jesus is gone.
(18:17):
We still have the Holy Spirit, you know?
Yeah.
And I think that he is so clear about what he values and what should be part of our lives.
And it's what I love about this is that this is a gift.
Like we already are giving this as a gift because the Holy Spirit is a gift to us.
And so I just get like totally beyond just, I feel like in a cool way, like a fresh wave
(18:45):
and like a mess that I'm walking into spiritually with these characteristics of how we can step
in and grab a hold of love, grab a hold of joy, grab a hold of patience, oof, that patience.
You know?
So, yes.
Yeah.
I think also like one of the beautiful things about this is like, it's a roadmap.
(19:07):
Like we don't have to fumble around and wonder like, what qualities do I need to have in
myself?
Like he beautifully lays it out for us.
Like, hey, this is what it looks like.
And you can say, okay, I know that I do not have that right now and I need that.
And so it's just like this, I don't know, it's just like it's nice to be able to like
say, okay, this is where I'm at.
(19:28):
This is where I need to be and be like, okay, God, you need to help me get there.
Like I just, I like that.
I mean, like for me, like somebody who likes to know what's going on, I like to have a
clear picture of like, what do I need to look like?
I may not be there, but I know where I'm going.
You know?
So good.
And like, I think for me, what I think about is as children of God, you know, we were also
(19:51):
giving these traits and giving these, I kind of being passed down to us.
And kind of, I think we talked about a little bit about personality and I think with being
adopted by the Lord, you know, spiritually, we're just giving these.
I kind of sense that in my spirit.
But a lot of the time when it's like, you can, like this is something I'm passing down
(20:14):
to you and it comes with it.
It just comes like, I don't have, you don't have to work for these necessarily.
Like, right.
You know, he's just like, here they are, you know, and I love what you said.
It's like a roadmap.
Like this is what we have.
And he doesn't confuse us.
I love that about the Lord.
He's all about like, Hey, like I'm clear.
I am consistent and I'm faithful and loving.
(20:37):
Like these are like loving things that a parent would do.
So it is, uh, just think it's, it's almost like Christmas.
I already feel like I'm unveiling my Christmas present of joy and patience.
And like, ah, what do I do with these?
Yes.
No, it's so good.
(20:57):
And I think also like, like you were saying, like they're gifts from God and both from
the Holy spirit.
So it's not like it's something we have to like muster up or like, Oh, if I only was
better at this, like it's, it's through the Holy spirit that these, that these things
are in our life.
You know what I mean?
Love it.
So it's not out of our striving.
Yeah.
I just love that about the Lord.
(21:19):
Well, as we're just finishing up our time together, we have a little cho cho cho challenge.
Yes.
Yes, we do.
So, um, just in this, this next week, our challenge to you is to spend some time with
the Lord where you ask him, what does he think about your character?
(21:41):
That's our challenge.
Yeah.
And I know that he, oh, sorry.
I just, I know that he's going to be faithful to speak to every person that, that really
like takes time to ask the Lord this.
Like he's so faithful.
So if you just take some time in a moment to ask him about it, he's going to speak to
you.
I love that because yeah.
(22:02):
Yeah.
And God is so wonderful about like teaching us.
Like that's like, you know, he was, you know, his disciples be like rabbi.
And like when you think of a rabbi, it's a teacher is someone who can let us know, hey,
you know, let me show you what this is like.
And I'm happy to like he is happy to come to, to him and say all the things he wants
(22:27):
to, you know, speak to us about.
So, uh, J.Woo, that's a lovely challenge.
A little tough, a little like borderline intimidating.
I'm not going to lie, but kind of exciting.
Cause like I know that, okay.
So I know even if it's just spending time with the Lord, that's already sometimes a
challenge for people.
So that's true.
(22:47):
Just take it one day at a time.
Maybe it's a process too of like, Hey, talking to the Lord about some stuff and then going
in through throughout the week and asking him about that.
Uh, I'm going to miss you guys again for another week.
Like what I just think about all of you throughout the week.
I'm like, I wonder about this and about that.
(23:09):
And I just love you all so much.
Uh, is, do you want to pray for us as we close out?
Yes.
I can't wait.
Hmm.
Lord, thank you so much for this time together and being able to gather one more time, one
more week and really put you at the center.
Lord, I thank you that your values are just part of who you are and that we're able to
(23:33):
access those anytime.
Lord, whatever you want to teach us, we just say yes and amen to your promises.
Holy spirit, guide us this week.
We thank you Lord.
We praise you.
We honor you.
And we just give you glory today in this time.
Hmm.
I pray protection of all of us in Jesus name in this whole week.
Amen.
(23:54):
Amen.
So good.
I think that God is going to just really reveal some stuff to all of us this week and I'm,
I'm very excited for it.
Yep.
Yep.
Yep.
All right.
See you all later.
Yes, we'll see you next week.
Bye.
Bye.
Bye.
Bye.
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