Living Out The Fruits of the Spirit

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” ~ Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV)

The Fruits of the Spirit are transformative virtues that not only enrich our lives but also positively influence the world around us. They provide a roadmap for living with purpose and reflecting God’s character in our daily actions. Let us explore each of these qualities, their significance, and practical ways to embody them.

Love

Love is the cornerstone of the Christian faith. It represents a selfless, unconditional affection that motivates us to act with compassion and empathy.

Practical Application

Show love through small, intentional acts of kindness each day. Express gratitude, lend a helping hand, or offer a listening ear. Remember, love is not just a feeling but a reflection of God’s heart in action.

“Let all that you do be done in love.” — 1 Corinthians 16:14 (ESV)

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your boundless love. Help us to embody Your love in our interactions with others, showing compassion and kindness in all that we do. Amen.

Joy

Joy is a deep, abiding happiness rooted in our relationship with God, independent of external circumstances.

Practical Application

Cultivate joy by beginning each day with gratitude. Maintain a gratitude journal and share joyful moments with others. Joy is contagious—spreading it uplifts those around us.

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!” — Philippians 4:4 (ESV)

Prayer

Lord, thank You for the joy that comes from knowing You. Help us to focus on our blessings and to share joy with others, even in challenging times. Amen.

Peace

Peace is the inner tranquillity that comes from trusting in God, enabling us to remain calm amid life’s challenges.

Practical Application

Dedicate time daily to quiet reflection, prayer, or scripture reading. Taking a walk in nature or meditating on God’s word can provide the serenity needed to handle life’s storms.

“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 4:7 (ESV)

Prayer

Gracious God, thank You for the peace that surpasses all understanding. Help us to rest in Your presence and be peacemakers in our relationships. Amen.

Patience

Patience is the ability to endure challenges with grace, responding thoughtfully rather than impulsively.

Practical Application

Reframe frustrating moments as opportunities for growth. When impatience arises, take a deep breath and remember that waiting builds resilience and trust in God.

“Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him.” — Psalm 37:7 (NIV)

Prayer

Dear Lord, grant us the patience to endure difficulties with grace. Help us to grow through life’s waiting seasons and reflect Your calmness in our actions. Amen.

Kindness

Kindness is an outward expression of love, marked by friendliness, generosity, and consideration for others.

Practical Application

Perform intentional acts of kindness regularly—compliment someone, write a thoughtful note, or assist a colleague. Small gestures often have a lasting impact.

“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” — Ephesians 4:32 (ESV)

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of kindness. Open our hearts to see opportunities to bless others and reflect Your love through our actions. Amen.

Goodness

Goodness involves moral integrity and a commitment to doing what is right, even when it is difficult.

Practical Application

Set personal integrity goals. Be honest, avoid gossip, and advocate for justice when needed. Striving for goodness inspires others to pursue what is right.

“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” — Romans 12:21 (ESV)

Prayer

Lord, thank You for the call to live with goodness and integrity. Guide us to make righteous choices and stand for truth, even in the face of opposition. Amen.

Faithfulness

Faithfulness reflects loyalty and reliability in our relationships and our walk with God.

Practical Application

Develop faithfulness by maintaining consistent prayer and scripture study. Honour your commitments and support others in their times of need.

“The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:24 (NIV)

Prayer

Gracious God, thank You for Your unwavering faithfulness. Help us to remain loyal in our relationships and deepen our commitment to You. Amen.

Gentleness

Gentleness is the quality of being mild and tender, approaching others with humility and understanding.

Practical Application

Respond thoughtfully in conversations, especially during conflicts. Listen actively and choose calmness over anger, fostering an environment of respect.

“Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand.” — Philippians 4:5 (ESV)

Prayer

Lord, thank You for Your gentle spirit. Teach us to respond to others with humility and kindness, reflecting Your grace in our interactions. Amen.

Self-Control

Self-control is the ability to manage our impulses and align our decisions with God’s will.

Practical Application

Set boundaries and practice mindfulness in decision-making. Reflect regularly on your actions, adjusting to align with God’s values.

“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” — 2 Timothy 1:7 (ESV)

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of self-control. Strengthen our discipline to resist temptation and live according to Your will. Amen.

Conclusion

Living out the Fruits of the Spirit enriches our lives and inspires those around us to seek God. By actively embodying these virtues, we become beacons of God’s love, peace, and righteousness in the world.

Stop Blaming God for the Bad Things

When tragedy strikes or life takes a painful turn, it’s natural to look for someone to blame. For many, that blame is directed at God. “Why did He let this happen?” “Why didn’t He stop it?” “Why didn’t He answer my prayer?” These are real and raw questions that come from deep places of heartbreak. But one truth must be remembered: just because something happens doesn’t mean God caused it.

Free Will and Human Responsibility

From the very beginning, God gave humanity one of the greatest—and most dangerous—gifts: free will. We are not robots, but people with the ability to choose. And with that freedom comes the possibility of both great good and deep harm. Much of the world’s suffering isn’t authored by God—it is the result of human choices.

When someone chooses hatred, greed, violence, or selfishness, others are often caught in the fallout. God allows us to choose because real love, obedience, and faith can only exist where there is freedom. But with that gift comes great responsibility—and real consequences.

So Why Doesn’t God Intervene?

If God is good and powerful, why doesn’t He stop all evil and suffering? Why doesn’t He intervene in every tragedy?

Because to do so every time would mean overriding human free will. He would have to stop every harmful thought before it became action, every wrong word before it was spoken. We would no longer be free beings, but pre-programmed automatons. And real love cannot exist without real choice.

But there’s another, deeply hopeful reason God delays intervention: He is merciful and longsuffering. Scripture tells us, “The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise… He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). God endures the evil and brokenness in the world not because He doesn’t care—but because He longs to give every soul a chance to turn to Him.

His delay is not absence; it’s grace.

When God Doesn’t Heal

Perhaps one of the most painful tests of faith is when we pray fervently for someone to be healed, and God chooses not to heal them—at least not on this side of eternity. It feels unfair. We wonder, “Why did He heal them and not my loved one?” “Did I not have enough faith?” “Did He not hear me?”

This is where the mystery of God’s sovereignty meets our limited understanding. Healing is one way God shows His power—but it’s not the only way. Sometimes, in His eternal wisdom, God allows a person to pass into eternity, even though it breaks our hearts.

We must remember that death is not the end for those who are in Christ. In God’s eyes, healing may come in the form of release from earthly suffering and entrance into eternal wholeness. To us, it looks like loss—but to God, it may be mercy. Isaiah 57:1 says, “The righteous perish, and no one takes it to heart; the devout are taken away, and no one understands that the righteous are taken away to be spared from evil.”

It also challenges the entitlement mentality that says, “Well, He did it for them, so He owes it to me.” But God is not a vending machine. He is not obligated to operate by our timelines or our logic. He is a loving Father who sees the whole picture—past, present, and future—and acts from a place of perfect wisdom.

Who Are We to Question the Potter?

In these moments of confusion, frustration, or even anger, it’s easy to question God’s decisions. But Scripture reminds us of our place—and God’s authority—in Romans 9:20–21:

“But who are you, a human being, to talk back to God? Shall what is formed say to the one who formed it, ‘Why did you make me like this?’ Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for special purposes and some for common use?”

We are the clay. He is the Potter. He sees the design, the purpose, the future we cannot see. There’s a holy humility in accepting that we won’t always understand, but we can always trust the One who shaped us.

And that’s the essence of faith—trusting even when we don’t see the full picture. God allows certain things not because He is cruel, but because He sees the full story when we only see a chapter. He knows what we do not. And in His sovereignty and wisdom, He allows things we don’t understand for purposes we may not yet see. We don’t have to understand—we are simply called to trust that He is good, He is just, and He is in control.

God Is Still at Work

Even when we don’t understand, Romans 8:28 assures us: “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” Not that all things are good, but that God can use even the worst circumstances to produce something redemptive.

He is the only One who can bring beauty from ashes, purpose from pain, and hope from heartache.

A Different Perspective

Blaming God may feel justified in the moment—but it often blinds us to what He’s doing behind the scenes. Instead of asking “Why didn’t God…?” we can begin to ask, “What might God want to do through this?” or “How can I trust Him more deeply in this season?”

Faith doesn’t mean we always get the answers we want. It means we trust the One who holds the answers—even when they’re hidden from us.

Conclusion

God is not the source of evil. He is not indifferent to our pain. He honors the free will He gave us—even when it leads to suffering. In His great patience, He gives space for repentance. In His wisdom, He sometimes says no when we ask for healing. And in His sovereignty, He allows what we don’t always understand—because He sees what we cannot.

Rather than blaming God for the brokenness in this world, let us turn to Him—the only One who can truly heal it. He is the Potter. We are the clay. And He can be trusted, even in the dark.

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** Photo by Jane Mir at Pexels

Forget Coldplay’s Kiss Cam—What Happens When God Puts Your Life on the Big Screen?

Foreword (July 2025)

After watching the viral Coldplay kiss cam debacle—an awkward, unfiltered moment projected onto a stadium screen and then replayed endlessly online—I couldn’t help but think of this article Jeremy Utley wrote a few years ago. That kiss cam caught two people in a moment they probably wish could be erased.

But what about when our entire lives are put on display—every thought, word, and action—before God Himself?

This reflection, “Screening An Un-Blanked-Out Documentary,” written in 2022, feels even more relevant today. The world is quick to spotlight our embarrassing moments, but heaven is watching for something deeper: the moments that hold eternal significance.


Screening An Un-Blanked-Out Documentary

Published 2022

“Therefore do not go on passing judgment before the time, but wait until the Lord comes who will both bring to light the things hidden in the darkness and disclose the motives of men’s hearts; and then each man’s praise will come to him from God.” ~ 1 Corinthians‬ ‭4:5‬ ‭NASB‬‬

At the judgment seat of Christ, all of God’s ways will be seen to be perfectly just and righteous. That’s why we’re commanded to wait to judge — because there will come a day when even the secret motives of men’s hearts will be revealed, and then and only then can we judge righteously. Jesus says the same thing in Luke 12:2-3:

“But there is nothing covered up that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known. Accordingly, whatever you have said in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered in the inner rooms will be proclaimed upon the housetops.”
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The picture I have of the judgment seat is one where everyone who has ever lived will see my every thought, word, deed, and motive, and will be able to see that God’s judgment of my life is perfectly righteous. It’s as if a documentary of all my life — inward and outward — will be on a giant movie screen for everyone who’s ever lived to see. And all people, finally having “perfect information” so to speak, will come to the same exact conclusion that God does in His judgment of my life. For some, that may be an absolutely terrifying idea. But for Christians, we can take comfort knowing that God has “blotted out” those sinful spots on the tape (Psalm 51:9), because He chooses not to remember (Isaiah 43:25) any of the sins that we confess in the name of Jesus Christ (1 John 1:7,9). Praise God for that!!

But Christian, let me ask you a question: how will you feel if, when it’s “showtime” for your documentary in heaven, your entire movie is just a series of blanked-out scenes and bleeped-out speech? No sound, no video, all blank? Definitely no sin there to speak of, just hours and hours of silence. Non-footage, so to speak. It’s as if your life almost never took place. Will that be cause for rejoicing?

Or does that sound terrible to you? I must say that I will be utterly heartbroken if my documentary is all bleeped-out footage, with nothing worth screening in the final day! I want more than that! I want a life that brings God glory and honor and praise (Philippians 1:10-11), a life He can put on display to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places as evidence of His trustworthiness and wisdom and power (Ephesians 3:10, Job 1:8), a life that is not merely stripped of all evidence of bad, but that fulfills all the good that God had in His heart when He made me (Ephesians 2:10)! (I encourage you to read those verses and see whether that is God’s hope for your life too.)

The Holy Spirit says that “each man’s work will become evident; for the day will show it because it is to be revealed with fire, and the fire itself will test the quality of each man’s work. If any man’s work which he has built on it remains, he will receive a reward. If any man’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire” (‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭3:13-15‬)‬‬. I don’t know about you, but that’s not what I want the subtitle of my movie to be: “saved, yet so as through fire.” To be sure, I’m not interested in reward, except that it will be something I get to throw at my precious Savior’s feet (Revelation 4:10). What I’m interested in is a life that brings God praise and glory in the final day, and the way to do that is to seek for there to be something left on the tape after the fire blots out all of the footage that dishonors the Lord. 

Lord, according to Your Holy Spirit’s work in me, I want an un-bleeped tape! I want my life to count for You! I want to be a part of the manifestation that shames the devil and brings glory to Jesus Christ in the final day, that extols His trustworthiness and power. 

“But you are A CHOSEN RACE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR God’s OWN POSSESSION, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; for you once were NOT A PEOPLE, but now you are THE PEOPLE OF GOD; you had NOT RECEIVED MERCY, but now you have RECEIVED MERCY. Beloved, I urge you as aliens and strangers to abstain from fleshly lusts which wage war against the soul. Keep your behavior excellent among the Gentiles, so that in the thing in which they slander you as evildoers, they may because of your good deeds, as they observe them, glorify God in the day of visitation.”
‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭2:9-12‬ ‭NASB‬‬

Our good deeds may never be evident to worldly-minded people during our life on earth. But our hope is that, in the final day, when all things are known perfectly, and they watch the movies of our lives, they would have cause to glorify God. Not because there’s a blank tape (unlike their filthy tape), but there’s a tape filled with evidence of God’s glory. 

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**By Jeremy Utley © Copyright – Jeremy Utley. No changes whatsoever are to be made to the content of the article without written permission from the author at NCCF Church / Photo by Annushka Ahuja at Pexels

A Faith-Based Guide to Menopause and Midlife Wellness

Menopause is a natural, God-given transition in a woman’s life—just as sacred and purposeful as puberty, pregnancy, or any other season of the female body. And yet, it remains a profound and often misunderstood chapter. It’s not just a biological shift—it’s emotional, spiritual, and social.

Despite being a universal experience, menopause is still shrouded in silence and taboo. Society often sees it as the end of youth, fertility, and purpose—but that’s a distortion of God’s truth. The more women speak openly—just as we now do about periods and mental health—the more normalized, dignified, and supported this life stage will become, allowing women to walk in confidence, not shame.

Let’s explore what really happens during menopause: the symptoms, the emotional impact, how to manage it naturally and spiritually, how husbands can support their wives, and what Christian women can do to embrace this life transition with grace and strength.

What Is Menopause?

Menopause typically occurs between ages 45–55 and is diagnosed after 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period. However, symptoms can begin years earlier during perimenopause—a time marked by hormonal fluctuations, which can be disruptive and confusing.

Common Symptoms

  • Hot flashes and night sweats
  • Mood swings, anxiety, and irritability
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Brain fog and memory lapses
  • Weight gain and slower metabolism
  • Fatigue and joint pain
  • Vaginal dryness and decreased libido
  • Thinning hair and skin changes

These symptoms aren’t imagined. They’re real, biological, and often overwhelming.

The Emotional Toll

Hormonal shifts can affect mental health significantly. Women often describe sudden mood swings, increased anxiety, or feelings of sadness and loss. It’s not just physical—it’s deeply emotional, especially in cultures that equate a woman’s value with her ability to bear children or appear youthful.

For many, menopause feels like an identity crisis. But it’s also an invitation to reevaluate your worth in light of God’s unchanging truth, not the world’s fleeting standards.

Natural Ways to Support Your Body

While some women choose Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), many opt for natural strategies to cope.

1. Nutrition

  • Phytoestrogens (in flaxseed, soy, lentils) may help balance hormones.
  • Omega-3s (found in fish, chia, walnuts) support brain and mood health.
  • Calcium and Vitamin D protect against bone loss.
  • Reduce sugar, caffeine, and alcohol, which can worsen symptoms.

2. Herbal Support

  • Black cohosh, evening primrose oil, and red clover are popular for managing hot flashes and hormonal mood changes.
  • Always speak with a healthcare provider before trying herbal remedies, especially if you take other medications.

3. Gentle Movement

  • Walking, swimming, and Pilates help with stress, joint pain, and sleep.
  • Strength training supports muscle tone and bone density.

4. Sleep Support

  • Avoid screens and heavy meals before bed.
  • Create a calming routine with prayer, herbal tea, or a warm bath.
  • Magnesium or melatonin may help, but ask your doctor first.

How Husbands Can Support

This season can feel isolating for many women. A husband’s understanding, patience, and encouragement are invaluable.

Ways to Support Your Wife:

  • Listen without fixing. Just being present and acknowledging her struggle matters.
  • Help around the home. Fatigue and brain fog are real.
  • Encourage wellness. Join her for walks, healthy meals, or medical appointments.
  • Speak life. Affirm her beauty, worth, and wisdom. She may feel invisible, but your words can restore her spirit.
  • Pray with her. Help her stay rooted in God’s promises.

Why It Feels So Taboo

Menopause is rarely talked about—even in churches. It’s often seen as shameful or a marker of irrelevance. But this is a lie from a world that glorifies youth and minimizes wisdom.

God values every season of a woman’s life. Aging does not diminish a woman’s worth—it multiplies it. We are called to honor the older women among us as mentors and bearers of wisdom (Titus 2:3–5).

“Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” — Proverbs 31:30

Embracing Menopause Spiritually

This can be a powerful spiritual turning point. Rather than resist it, we can allow God to use this time to grow us, refine us, and shift our focus from producing to being.

Spiritual Tools:

  • Prayer. Speak honestly with God about your emotions and needs.
  • Scripture. Anchor yourself in truth—especially when the enemy tries to speak lies about your value.
  • Community. Surround yourself with godly women in similar seasons.
  • Service. Your experience can encourage younger women. You’re not diminished—you’re becoming a spiritual elder.

Helpful Resources

🇬🇧 UK Resources

Newson Health

Evidence-based menopause care, HRT options, the Balance app, webinars, and courses by Dr. Louise Newson.

Sanctuary Mental Health – “Navigating the Crossroads”

A thoughtful article reflecting on faith, mental health, and menopause, encouraging compassionate Christian support.

Susanna Wesley Foundation – Menopause & Theology

Theological research and discussions about menopause, created to help churches understand and support midlife transitions.

Wellbeing of Women

A leading UK women’s health charity funding research and offering practical resources and online events on menopause and more.


🇺🇸 USA Resources

The Menopause Society

Formerly the North American Menopause Society (NAMS). Provides reliable medical information, practitioner directories, and free downloadable guides.

Revive Our Hearts – “A Christian Woman’s Guide to Menopause” (Video)

Faith-based video discussion offering biblical insight and practical tips on embracing menopause as part of God’s design.

Today’s Christian Woman – “Managing Menopause”

A compassionate, biblically grounded article covering medical care, prayer, mentoring, and Christian counseling.

CHURCH TIP: Many women are forming small groups in their local churches to talk about midlife, menopause, and faith. You don’t have to wait for someone else to start it—maybe you’re the one called to begin the conversation.

Please Note

This content is for general education, encouragement, and spiritual support only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before beginning any new health-related practices, especially regarding supplements, hormones, or therapies. Each woman’s journey is unique.

You Are Not Alone

Please note that menopause is not a sign of weakness or failure. It is a God-ordained transition, rich with opportunity to grow in grace, wisdom, and spiritual authority. You are not less of a woman—you are more of the woman God is forming for His purpose.

You are still whole. Still loved. Still chosen.

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** Photo by Maksim Goncharenok: https://www.pexels

Unshakeable Faith is Essential in a Wavering World

Standing on the solid rock of faith means holding firmly to God’s Word while also being open to learning and growing in our understanding of it. Today, we are commonly told to keep an open mind about our beliefs and how we interpret the Word of God. Many people are encouraged to avoid being dogmatic, leading some to cherry-pick Scriptures or change their meanings altogether. This practice often involves using the Bible only when its teachings align with personal preferences or the expectations of the audience. Such a liberal view distorts the integrity of God’s Word—if you don’t like it, change it! What use is the Word of God if it can be altered? How can we have faith in truth if truth is seen as variable?

The Word of God is meant to assure us of both God’s nature and our future in Him. If we maintain an open mind to the point of compromising its teachings, we risk dismissing Christ’s promises and missing out on the fullness of what He guarantees. True Christians do not keep an open mind when it comes to God’s Word; you either believe it or you don’t. You cannot sit on the fence. The journey of faith requires a foundation rooted in the unchanging truth of God’s Word.

How many of you would board a plane knowing that the pilot was going to keep an open mind about the destination? Well just as a pilot must navigate their course with precision, they cannot afford to be liberal or selective about the path they choose to reach their destination. Each decision made in the cockpit matters greatly; even small adjustments can have significant consequences for the journey, and so it is with God’s Word. We are invited to align our lives with God’s truth, but this does not mean altering His Word to fit our preferences. His truth remains constant, and our understanding should deepen without compromising Scripture’s principles. Faith demands humility; there is always more to discover in the Bible.

As Paul reminds us in 2 Timothy 1:2, we are called to be faithful to the truth that has been entrusted to us. Our belief in Christ Jesus is our sure foundation—He is the rock upon which we stand and the anchor of hope for our blood-bought souls. Psalm 18:2 describes Him as the everlasting rock for those who fear and esteem Him, a steadfast refuge in times of trouble. There’s nothing wishy-washy about Jesus or His Word. He is the Word made flesh who dwelt among us and our soon-coming King, to whom every knee will bow and confess He is Lord.

Times may change, and people’s views may shift, but God remains the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. His promises provide a firm foundation amidst a world of uncertainty.

Being open does not mean abandoning core beliefs. Instead, it helps us build a stronger foundation based on God’s eternal Word while remaining teachable. The Bible encourages us to think deeply about Scripture and to stay receptive to what God may reveal each day. This isn’t about changing God’s Word; it’s about allowing it to transform us. Our foundation is solid because it rests on God’s promises and truth.

As James 1:6-8 warns, we should not be double-minded in our faith, for such uncertainty leads to instability. We are called to take every thought captive to obey Christ, as stated in 2 Corinthians 10:5. Faith is not about rigidity; it’s about standing confidently on God’s promises, knowing His Word gives us a firm foundation. While we can be sure of what we believe, we should also allow God to enrich that understanding over time.

Let this balance between a solid foundation and an open heart inspire you today. Stand firm on the rock of God’s Word, knowing that you are both grounded and growing—rooted in unchanging truth yet open to the richness of God’s wisdom and grace as He reveals it, because God Himself backs it up.

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**Excerpt based on Reinhard Bonnke’s book, “Faith: The Link with God’s Power.” / Photo by Pixabay at Pexels