Opening Thought: After seeing our need for change (inventory) and admitting it (confession), we arrive at a critical point: willingness. Are we "entirely ready" for God to remove our character defects? This section focuses on the shift from knowing we should change to humbly asking God to change us.

John 16:8 “And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment”
2 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”
Step 6: Willingness. The book says godly grief "produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death." What is the difference between "godly grief" (conviction from the Holy Spirit) and "worldly grief" (just being sorry you got caught)?
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Step 6 asks us to be "entirely ready" for God to remove our defects. The author admits he couldn't be entirely ready at first and was told to pray to be as ready as he could be. What do you do when you know you should want to change, but a part of you doesn't?
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Discuss the prayer shared in the chapter: "I need your help to become willing to let go of the things in me that continue to block me from you." How does this prayer show a dependence on God even for the willingness to change?
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Step 7: Humbly Asking. The book states, "True humility is not self-deprecation but a recognition that our true exaltation comes from God." How does this definition of humility change how you view asking God for help?
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Read the 7th Step Prayer: "My Creator, I am now willing that you should have all of me, good and bad." What does it mean to offer God the "good" parts of you as well as the "bad"?
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This step requires acknowledging that we are flawed and imperfect, but trusting God to reshape us. How do you balance the reality of your flaws with the truth of God's grace and acceptance?
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Reflection: Is there a "defect of character" or a sinful pattern that you have been holding onto? Be honest with yourself and with God. Are you willing to let it go?
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Action Step: This week, use the prayers from this chapter as your own. Specifically pray: "God, please make me ready and willing to change. Humbly, I ask you to remove [name the specific shortcoming] from me." Write the prayer on a card and put it somewhere you will see it daily.
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Pray for a spirit of true humility and willingness within the group. Ask God to take away the fear of change and to replace it with a deep trust in His power to transform. Pray the 7th Step Prayer together, offering all of yourselves—good and bad—to the Creator.

Holy Spirit Conviction & Change