We must be willing to give it all up or we're being hypocritical in saying that we love God absolutely.
Another I practice is comparing my thoughts, words and deeds with the fruits of the Spirit in Galatians 5 (paraphrased): love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control.
If I see any of the opposites, e.g. hate, sorrow, anxiety, meanness, etc. - it's time to hit the knees in repentance for my self-will run awry.
I am glad to see this post.
I am Catholic. I belong to a community of Catholic people in my area (worldwide, we number hundreds of groups and are about 45,000 in number altogether worldwide). We are lay people; all of us have families, jobs, etc. We meet on a regular basis to pray Scripturally, to encourage each other in lives that we have committed to living the Evangelical Counsels, and the Beatitudes. We consider the Beatitudes the 8 Summits of Christain living, and the Evangelical counsels would include the 12 fruits of the Holy Spirit.
Everyone in my group, which in my area numbers over 100, would understand everything you wrote here. Our desire is to come ever closer to the Lord and we know how important are the qualities you mention in this post.
The Peace of Christ.
ROE
Beautifully and faithfully stated.
"If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit." -- Gal. 5:25