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Galatians 5:22,23--But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 

Proverbs 28:6 [AMP]--Better is the poor man who walks in his integrity than he who willfully goes in double and wrong ways, though he is rich. 

1 Chronicles 29:17--I know, my God, that you examine our hearts and rejoice when you find integrity there. 

Why is integrity so important in relationships? 

• Value #1: Protection (Psalm 25:21) 
• Value #2: Security or confidence (Proverbs 10:9) 
• Value #3: Guidance (Proverbs 11:3) 

HOW DO I PRACTICE INTEGRITY? 

1. Speak honestly. 

Ephesians 4:15 [GN]--Speak the truth in a spirit of love. 

Proverbs 20:7 [LB]--It is a wonderful heritage to have an honest father. 

See also Ecclesiastes 10:9 

2. Confess regularly. 

James 5:16 [LB]--Admit your faults to one another and pray for each other... 

1 John 1:9 [LB]--But if we confess our sins to him, he can be depended upon to forgive us and to cleanse us from every wrong. 

3. Live consistently. 

Consistency is vital in 2 areas: 

• Public image vs. private image 
  Matthew 6:1 [LB]--Take care! Do not do your good deeds publicly, to be admired. 

• Words vs. actions
  1 Samuel 16:7c--Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart. 

4. Commit openly. 

Isaiah 45:19 [LB]--I publicly proclaim bold promises; I do not whisper obscurities in some dark corner so that no one will know what I mean. 

Romans 10:9--That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 

Psalm 101:2 [NASB]--I will walk in my house in the integrity of my heart. 

Small Group Discussion Questions: 

• Why is their such a huge integrity vacuum in our society? 
  What causes people to minimize it’s importance? 
• Review the points and Bible verses from this lesson. 
  What personal application can you make from this week's teaching? 
• How do you combat the temptation to compromise in your own life? 
• Take some time right now to pray for the needs of those in your small group. 

*Scripture is quoted from the New International Version unless otherwise noted.
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