Tag: guidance

A Faith-Based Guide to Menopause and Midlife Wellness

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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.

—-—————-

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

When God Closes a Door: Understanding Divine Redirection

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Life is full of opportunities, but also disappointments. We’ve all experienced moments when a door we wanted to walk through—whether in career, relationships, finances, or ministry—suddenly closes. These closed doors can feel frustrating, confusing, or even painful.

However, God’s closed doors are never without purpose. Throughout the Bible, we see that when God closes a door, it is always for our protection, redirection, or preparation. What seems like a setback is often God’s way of guiding us to something far greater. When we pray for God’s guidance, wisdom and discernment and His will to be done, He hears our prayers and moves accordingly to assist His beloved children.

1. Closed Doors Are a Sign of God’s Guidance

Many people assume that if something is difficult or blocked, it must not be from God. But closed doors are just as much a part of God’s direction as open ones.

In Acts 16:6-10, the Apostle Paul and his companions wanted to preach in Asia and Bithynia, but the Holy Spirit prevented them. It wasn’t because preaching was wrong, but because God had a different plan—He was leading them to Macedonia instead.

Key lesson: When God blocks our path, it’s not rejection; it’s redirection. He may have a different mission, a better opportunity, or a more strategic purpose in mind.

2. Closed Doors Can Be Protection from Harm

Sometimes, we see only what we want, but God sees the full picture. He knows what lies ahead—both good and bad. A closed door might be protecting us from something we cannot see.

A clear example is Noah’s Ark (Genesis 7:16). Before the flood, Noah and his family entered the ark, and the Bible says:

“Then the Lord shut him in.” (Genesis 7:16)

God closed the door, sealing them inside. This wasn’t a punishment—it was protection from the coming storm. Similarly, when God closes a door in our lives, He may be protecting us from a relationship, opportunity, or decision that would bring destruction.

Key lesson: What feels like rejection may actually be divine protection. Trust that God sees what you cannot see.

3. Closed Doors Are an Invitation to Trust God’s Timing

One of the hardest aspects of closed doors is waiting. We often assume that if an opportunity is good, we should have it now. But God’s delays are not His denials.

Take Hannah, for example (1 Samuel 1). She longed for a child, but the Bible says:

“The Lord had closed her womb.” (1 Samuel 1:5-6)

At first, this seemed like an unfair closed door. But in time, Hannah conceived Samuel, one of Israel’s greatest prophets. God wasn’t denying her—He was waiting for the right moment to bless her with a son who would have a lasting impact on Israel’s history.

Key lesson: When God closes a door, He may simply be saying, “Not yet.” His delays are for our good, shaping us for what’s ahead.

4. Closed Doors Help Align Our Hearts with God’s Will

Sometimes, a closed door forces us to re-examine our desires. Are we pursuing something for God’s glory or for our own agenda?

Consider Jonah. God told him to go to Nineveh and preach repentance, but Jonah ran in the opposite direction (Jonah 1:1-3). God closed the door on his escape by sending a storm and a great fish to swallow him. Only after three days in the fish did Jonah finally obey.

God’s closed door (the storm and the fish) forced Jonah to align his heart with God’s purpose.

Key lesson: A closed door can be God’s way of changing our hearts and attitudes to match His plan.

5. When One Door Closes, Another Will Open

A closed door is not the end of the story. Often, when God closes one door, He is already preparing to open another—one that is even better than we imagined.

• David wanted to build the Temple, but God said no (1 Chronicles 17:4). Instead, God allowed Solomon, David’s son, to build it. David’s role was not to construct the temple but to prepare for its future success.

• The foolish virgins in Matthew 25:1-13 found the wedding door closed because they were unprepared. The opportunity had passed. This reminds us to be ready when God opens new doors.

A closed door means God has something else planned—but we must be ready when it comes.

Key lesson: Don’t dwell on the closed door—be ready for the new one that God is preparing.

How Should We Respond to Closed Doors?

1. Seek God in Prayer

Instead of getting frustrated, ask:

✅ “Lord, what are You teaching me through this?”

✅ “Are You protecting me from something?”

✅ “Are You redirecting me to something better?”

2. Trust in God’s Plan and Timing

• Isaiah 55:8-9 – “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord.

• Just because we don’t understand doesn’t mean God isn’t working for our good.

3. Keep Moving Forward in Faith

• Paul didn’t stop moving when he was blocked—he kept seeking God’s next step (Acts 16).

• When a door closes, don’t sit still. Keep walking in faith, obedience, and expectation.

Trusting the God of Closed Doors

A closed door is not rejection; it is redirection. It may be God’s way of:

✔ Guiding you to a better plan.

✔ Protecting you from unseen danger.

✔ Aligning your heart with His will.

✔ Preparing you for something greater.

If you’re facing a closed door today, don’t lose heart. Trust that God is working behind the scenes for your good. Instead of focusing on what didn’t happen, start looking for the new doors He is about to open.

—————-

** Photo by Tim Mossholder at Pexels

How to Protect Your Heart from Emotional Manipulation in Relationships – Part 3

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“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” ~ Proverbs 4:23 (NIV)

This is part 3 of a 5-part series on guarding your heart in relationships. As women, we are nurturing by nature and referred to in the Bible as the “weaker vessel” (1 Peter 3:7). This isn’t a reflection of value but a design that calls us to be helpers to men, wired to bring support and care into relationships. Men instinctively know this about us, and while this dynamic can bring balance and beauty, it also leaves room for misuse when not approached with God’s wisdom and guidance.

Navigating relationships as a woman is both rewarding and challenging. The desire for meaningful connection is God-given, but it is essential to protect your heart from those who might exploit your trust and affection. This article will help you recognize emotional manipulation, safeguard your heart, and keep your relationships aligned with God’s design.

Understanding the Issue

In Christian communities, marriage is often emphasized as the goal of relationships. Traditionally, men are seen as leaders in pursuing this commitment. However, some misuse this dynamic, taking advantage of women’s nurturing nature to gain emotional support, companionship or even material benefits without the intention of genuine commitment, dodging the responsibility and accountability God places on the man.

This behavior distorts the biblical model of relationships, which calls for love, mutual respect, and service. Scripture, especially passages like 1 Corinthians 13 and Ephesians 5:25, reminds us that relationships should reflect Christ-like love. When someone enjoys the benefits of a relationship—such as emotional support or marital privileges—without accountability, it can leave women feeling devalued and disrespected.

How Women Can Protect Themselves

Guarding your heart requires awareness, boundaries, and trust in God’s plan for your life. Below are practical steps to help you stay vigilant and protect yourself from emotional manipulation.

1. Recognize Red Flags Early On

Understanding warning signs can save you from heartache.

Signs to Watch For:

• He avoids discussing long-term plans or commitment.

• He benefits emotionally, practically, or financially but does not reciprocate.

• He dodges conversations about defining the relationship or its future.

What to Do:

• Trust patterns, not promises. Actions speak louder than words.

• If he consistently avoids clarity, prayerfully consider whether the relationship is aligned with God’s will.

2. Set Healthy Boundaries

Boundaries are essential for protecting your emotional and spiritual well-being.

Practical Steps:

• Define your boundaries early and communicate them clearly.

• Avoid giving “marital privileges” without a commitment, such as deep emotional investment, financial support, or physical intimacy.

• Stand firm when someone pressures you to compromise your values.

3. Avoid Rushing into Emotional Investment

Deep emotional connections should develop gradually, based on proven sincerity.

Suggestion:

• Take time to assess his character and intentions.

• Observe his response to your boundaries. Respect is a crucial indicator of genuine love.

• Trust God’s timing and allow relationships to grow organically.

4. Seek Accountability and Godly Counsel

Sometimes emotions can cloud judgment. Trusted counsel can help you see clearly.

Why It’s Important:

• Trusted friends, mentors, or spiritual leaders provide objective insights.

• A godly community helps you stay grounded in biblical principles.

5. Embrace Your Value and Worth in Christ

Your identity is rooted in Christ, not in a relationship or another person’s validation.

Reminders:

• Reflect on Psalm 139:14: “I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”

• When you know your worth in God’s eyes, you won’t settle for less than His best for you.

What to Look for in a Healthy Relationship

A godly relationship should reflect the principles of love, respect, and mutual commitment. Seek these qualities in a potential partner:

• Respect: He honors your boundaries and values your emotions.

• Clear Intentions: He communicates openly and aligns his actions with his words.

• Sacrificial Love: He demonstrates Christ-like love through selflessness and support.

• Accountability: He welcomes godly counsel and community oversight.

Taking Control of the Situation

If you notice red flags or feel uncertain about someone’s intentions, take proactive steps to protect your heart:

1. Clarify Your Own Needs: Align your relationship expectations with God’s principles.

2. Evaluate Actions Over Words: Look for consistency between what he says and does.

3. Have a Direct Conversation: Express your concerns openly and see how he responds.

4. Be Willing to Walk Away: If he doesn’t respect your boundaries or intentions, trust God’s plan and let go.

Conclusion

Relationships are designed to reflect God’s love—honest, sacrificial, and committed. Emotional manipulation undermines this purpose and can leave women feeling used and devalued. By staying vigilant, setting boundaries, and seeking godly counsel, you can protect your heart and honor both God and yourself in your relationships.

It’s essential to remember that you cannot change a person—only God can transform hearts. Men are not “build-a-bear” projects, and it’s not your responsibility to fix or mold someone into who you hope they could be. Trying to do so often leads to frustration and heartache.

The fear of being alone or not finding someone can make it tempting to settle for less than God’s best. But settling out of fear compromises your values and leads to unfulfilling relationships. Trust God’s timing, knowing that He has good plans for you (Jeremiah 29:11).

Never forget: your worth is found in Christ, not in a man’s approval. True love reflects God’s design, where respect, integrity, and godliness thrive. Stay rooted in His Word, embrace your identity in Him, and let Him guide you toward relationships that bring joy, growth, and lasting love.

Do You Cause Another To Stumble?

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“If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea” ~ Matthew 18:6, NASB

The Responsibility of Encouraging Others in Faith

The Bible warns believers about the critical responsibility of not causing others to stumble in their faith. As followers of Christ, we are called to support and strengthen each other on our spiritual journeys. However, our actions and beliefs can sometimes unintentionally hinder others. God’s Word addresses this responsibility in examining how our conduct can either build others up or lead them astray.

Leading Others Astray

Idolatry—whether it involves prioritizing worldly desires, personal achievements, or even religious practices over genuine faith—can mislead those who are weaker in faith. The Apostle Paul cautions us about actions that might affect less spiritually mature individuals: “But take care that this liberty of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak. For if someone sees you, who have knowledge, dining in an idol’s temple, will not his conscience, if he is weak, be strengthened to eat things sacrificed to idols? For through your knowledge the one who is weak is ruined, the brother or sister for whose sake Christ died” (1 Corinthians 8:9-11, NASB). Paul’s words remind us that even permissible actions can lead others into confusion or compromise, compelling us to reflect on whether our behaviors could inadvertently cause someone to stumble.

Honoring God’s Commandments

In Matthew 5:19, Jesus warns against disregarding God’s commandments: “Whoever then annuls one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever keeps and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:19, NASB). Disregarding even the smallest commandment can weaken the faith of others. Conversely, by honoring God’s Word, we inspire others to do the same, thereby strengthening the community’s faith. Moreover, we must be cautious about adopting the ways of the world and the traditions of men that may conflict with Scripture. Following societal norms or customs that contradict God’s Word can create confusion and lead others away from the truth.

The Importance of Integrity in Conduct

One area where we must be particularly vigilant is in our honesty and integrity. Lying or stealing, no matter how small, is still stealing. This includes taking office supplies, time, or anything from work simply because “everyone else is doing it.” Justifying theft based on others’ actions does not make it right. Our faith calls us to uphold honesty in all areas of our lives, setting an example for those around us. By living with integrity, we not only honor God but also encourage others to do the same. This integrity extends beyond work to encompass all aspects of life, including our interactions in society and our commitment to ethical living.

Revealing Truth to the Humble

In Luke 10:21, Jesus speaks about God’s revelation to those with humble hearts: “At that very time He rejoiced greatly in the Holy Spirit, and said, ‘I praise You, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and intelligent and have revealed them to infants. Yes, Father, for this way was well-pleasing in Your sight’” (Luke 10:21, NASB). Jesus highlights that God’s truths are often hidden from those who rely on their own wisdom and instead revealed to those who approach with humility, like “infants.” This reinforces that spiritual understanding isn’t about intellectual superiority but rather a sincere, open heart. When we humble ourselves and live according to God’s Word, we set an example that can attract others to the faith instead of pushing them away.

Humility in Spiritual Leadership

Jesus warns against self-exaltation in spiritual roles, encouraging humility rather than titles: “Do not be called Rabbi; for One is your Teacher… Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven… Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled; and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted” (Matthew 23:8-12, NASB). Jesus’ instruction here warns us not only against the spiritual titles themselves but also against the implications that often come with them. Titles such as “Rabbi” or “Father” can create a perception of spiritual superiority, subtly implying that these leaders hold an authority or seniority in faith above even Christ Himself. Such titles risk positioning human leaders as intermediaries between believers and God, a role meant for Jesus alone. True greatness, as Jesus teaches, lies in humility and servanthood rather than in positions or titles that might elevate one believer over others. Embracing humility ensures that others are drawn to God rather than to individuals.

Living as a Guide, Not a Stumbling Block

Each believer has a role in encouraging others on their spiritual journey. Whether through our words, actions, or attitudes, we have the power to guide others toward God or potentially lead them away. This is a serious responsibility and one that requires careful reflection. Are there areas in our lives where we might be causing others to stumble, even unintentionally? In the end, living a life that honors God’s teachings, seeks humility, and serves others strengthens our own faith and provides a positive example for others. Jesus taught that greatness in God’s Kingdom is found not in titles or self-exaltation but in humility, obedience, and servanthood. Let us strive to live in a way that lifts others up, helping them grow in faith, rather than becoming a stumbling block in their journey toward God.

The Call to Action

We must also be vigilant about the sins that may not be overtly addressed in Scripture but can lead ourselves and others astray. Consider the following examples of behaviors that could lead to spiritual compromise:

• Encouraging Unethical Behavior: Engaging in unethical acts or covering up wrongdoing sends a message that ethical boundaries can be compromised. Things like bribing or covering up wrongdoing harms individuals and contributes to a culture of lawlessness. Such actions send a message that ethical boundaries can be compromised for convenience or personal gain.

• Coercing Others to Compromise: Pressuring individuals to act against their conscience. A common example is a boss demanding inappropriate behavior from a subordinate, showing how authority can be abused to lead others into compromise. Even subtle pressure to agree with ungodly standards or engage in dishonest practices undermines integrity and can cause spiritual harm.

• Immodest Behavior and Negative Role Modeling: Dressing indecently, promoting sexual promiscuity, or using God’s name in vain and profanity can have negative effects on others. In a society that often celebrates immodesty, these behaviors can lead others into inappropriate thoughts or actions. Social media frequently glamorizes such behavior, misleading many to believe it’s desirable or acceptable, distracting them from God’s call to purity. When individuals, especially those who profess faith, live in a way that contradicts biblical teachings, it creates confusion and weakens their witness. Additionally, religious idolatry—placing traditions of men or false doctrines above God’s Word—can steer others away from the true Gospel.

• Misleading Others in Faith: Preaching doctrines that contradict the Gospel leads many away from true teachings. The rise of the “prosperity gospel” and similar messages that twist scripture to justify lavish lifestyles distorts followers’ understanding of faith, emphasizing material gain over spiritual growth. When the traditions of men or false doctrines are given precedence over God’s Word, it further misleads people, as they begin to value human interpretations over God’s truth as revealed in the Bible.

• Neglecting Responsibilities: Being irresponsible in relationships—whether by failing to provide for family, abandoning children, or neglecting elderly parents—harms those directly affected and can influence others to act similarly. In a society that often prioritizes individual freedom over commitment, such neglect can have far-reaching effects on families and communities.

• Disrespecting the Body as a Temple: Behaviors like excessive drinking, smoking, overeating, or other actions that harm the body show disregard for the teaching that the body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. By damaging one’s physical health, these actions not only harm the individual but also suggest to others that caring for the body isn’t necessary. Living in a way that honors God includes taking care of one’s body as an act of respect and worship, modeling that our lives should glorify God in all aspects.

As followers of Christ, we must heed the warning found in Matthew 18:6: “If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea” (Matthew 18:6, NASB). Such a fate underscores the serious consequences of leading others astray. While temptation is rampant, each individual is called to strive against these influences and uphold God’s commandments. As we grow in faith and knowledge, let us encourage one another to seek humility, holiness, and integrity. Overcoming sin and living a life that reflects God’s love and truth is only possible through His grace and intervention. As Jesus reminds us, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26).

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we come before You in humility and sincere repentance. We acknowledge that our actions and words may have caused others to stumble or even turn away from You. We confess that, at times, our behavior has not reflected the holiness and love You call us to live by. Forgive us, Lord, for every instance where we have failed to be a true example of Christ to others.

Lord, we recognize that our unchristlike actions might have led others astray. For each person we may have harmed in their journey, we ask that You bring healing and restoration. Draw them back to Your heart, Father, and redeem every situation where we may have been a stumbling block. By Your mercy, erase the damage caused by our shortcomings and rekindle their faith, drawing them closer to You.

Cleanse us from our sins, and give us a new heart that seeks only to honor You in all we say and do. Holy Spirit, we invite You to dwell within us, guiding us and empowering us to live righteously as Your ambassadors here on earth. Grant us the strength to overcome our weaknesses, and help us to walk in holiness and humility, as You are holy.

Lord, we thank You for Your unfailing grace and forgiveness. We trust that, as we confess our sins and turn from them, You are faithful to forgive and restore us. Shape us into vessels of love, compassion, and truth, that we may uplift those around us and bring honor to Your name.

In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen!

Let us be blessed as we live as examples of Christ’s love, lifting each other up on our journey toward faith.

———————–

** Based on article by Musawenkosi Dube at Holiness Advocate