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Have you noticed the popular trend of choosing ONE word for the year? One word that you will hold on to over the days, weeks, and months. One word that will challenge or encourage you. One word.

This is the first year I have really thought much about choosing a word, but every time I read another post about choosing one word for the year, this word came to my mind:

GENTLENESS.

Gentleness is a fruit of the Spirit.

One that I need to allow the Holy Spirit to produce in my life.

This phrase kept coming to my mind: Let your gentleness be evident to all.

I knew it was from scripture, so I googled the phrase and found Philippians 4:5.

“Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.”

GENTLENESS.

Really, Lord?

So that’s my one word: Gentleness?

I am not Super Mom or a Super Christian. I NEED to respond to all (especially my children) in gentleness, but so often I am impatient, unkind, angry–even harsh.

Yes, gentleness is definitely my one word for the year. I pray I will submit to the Holy Spirit’s work in my life as He grows gentleness in me. I know it will not be easy, but maybe just making my one word public will give me some accountability.

What about you?

Is God giving you one word this year?

Maybe, like mine, it’s a word to challenge and grow you. Something He wants to see change in your life as you grow more like Jesus.

Maybe it is a word of comfort or encouragement.

How to Find Your One Word From God’s Word for One Year

• Has a word popped in your mind already? Have you been seeing similar posts and been reminded of a single word? If so, you may already know the word God will use in your life this year.
• If not, start now by asking God for one word He wants to use in your life this year. Then spend time in the Bible, and let His Word guide you to your one word.
• Still having trouble narrowing it down to one word? Read blogs and social media posts from other Christians who share why they chose a particular word for the year.
• Don’t rush. If you haven’t found a word that resonates with you, and that you feel God wants to use in your life this year, wait a few days. Keep praying, seeking, & listening.

How to Use Your One Word

• Study it’s meaning in a dictionary. Look it up online or even in a Bible dictionary. See how Webster’s 1828 Dictionary defines your word. (Webster used many scriptural references and examples in his definitions.)
• Do a scripture search for your word on Bible Gateway or a similar site. Read all that show up in your search, then choose a verse that speaks to your heart. Highlight it in your Bible.
• Meditate on the scripture and the word. Ask God what this word means in your life right now, keeping in mind that the application may change throughout the year.
• Memorize your chosen verse that used your word.
• Post your word and your verse in various places. (On your mirror, fridge, desk, etc.) You can print it out, or write it yourself to help with memory. If you are artsy, decorate the paper with designs and color that highlight your word. Do it scrapbook or coloring book style. Make it your own.
• Make a list of how you think God may use the word in your life. (Ways you want to grow, things you want to accomplish, issues you want to overcome.) Pray through your list and update it regularly. Be sure to note when God answers your related prayer or does something surprising with or through your word.
• Trusting that He will accomplish His purpose, thank God already for how He will use the word in your life.

One word.

Choose one word tied to a scripture that you can repeat regularly, post on your walls, and hide in your heart.Click To Tweet

Choose one word tied to scripture that you can repeat regularly, post on your walls, and hide in your heart.

One word God can use to change your life this year.

One word.

I want my gentleness to be evident to all (Philippians 4:5). Yes, I have a long way to go, but when I relate to people I want them to remember Jesus in me.

Father, please use my word to grow me to be more like Jesus this year. Lead others to a word you want to use in their lives.

I’d love to hear how God is using one word in your life this year. Please comment below and share your word, why you chose it, and what you hope God will accomplish through it in your life this year.