In the world of Christian service, it’s easy to celebrate spiritual gifts like preaching, singing, prophesying, healing, and teaching. These gifts are beautiful, powerful, and God-given. But there’s something even more important in God’s eyes: the fruits of the Spirit.
Galatians 5:22-23 says, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control…” These are not glamorous abilities we show off on platforms. They are quiet proofs of maturity. They reflect who we are, not just what we can do.
You can be a firebrand preacher and still be proud. You can sing like angels and still lack patience. You can prophesy accurately and still treat people with contempt. Sadly, we sometimes place more value on being “gifted” than being Christlike.
God desires our character before charisma. The gifts draw men, but it is the fruit that keeps them. You may attract a spouse, an audience, or an opportunity with your talent, but only fruit will sustain relationships, influence, and favor.
The Bible warns in Matthew 7:16, “By their fruit you will recognize them.” Not their gifting, not their title, but their fruit. This means our love, humility, gentleness, and faithfulness are what truly matter to God.
In your walk with God, aim to bear fruit before chasing platforms. Let people say, “She is kind,” “He’s gentle,” not just “Wow, they’re anointed!” Because when gifts fade or slow down, character will still stand tall.
So, let’s seek to be fruitful first, and then let the gifts flow. Meanwhile, a life rooted in the Spirit will naturally grow into both.
As Valentine’s Day approaches, the world often glorifies romantic love with images of passion, intimacy, and physical attraction. While celebrating love is beautiful, Christians must remain vigilant against the pitfalls of lust and sexual temptation that can overshadow God’s design for relationships.
This day can become a minefield for those who are single or in relationships but lack biblical boundaries. However, with prayerful preparation and reliance on God’s strength, we can navigate this season with purity and integrity.
The Bible warns us about the dangers of lust in passages like Matthew 5:28, where Jesus says, “But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”
These words challenge us to guard our hearts and minds from wandering into areas that dishonor God and ourselves. On Valentine’s Day, when society emphasizes physical affection and romantic gestures, it’s crucial to remember that true love aligns with God’s will—it prioritizes respect, self-control, and commitment.
To protect yourself during this time, start by setting clear boundaries. If you’re single, avoid placing yourself in situations that could lead to temptation. Surround yourself with accountability partners who encourage you to stay focused on God’s plan for your life. For those in relationships, communicate openly with your partner about what honors God and establish mutual expectations for how you’ll celebrate Valentine’s Day without crossing inappropriate lines.
Additionally, fill your mind with godly thoughts. Philippians 4:8 reminds us, “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely—think about such things.” Replace worldly narratives about love and sex with the truth found in Scripture.
Meditate on verses like Song of Solomon, which celebrates marital intimacy within the context of covenantal love, or Ephesians 5:25, where husbands are called to love their wives as Christ loved the church.
Lastly, lean heavily on prayer. Ask God to strengthen your resolve and give you the wisdom to resist temptation. Remember, He provides a way out of every trial (1 Corinthians 10:13) and desires for you to experience freedom from sin.
This Valentine’s Day, let your love reflect God’s holiness and purpose. By guarding your heart and mind, you honor Him and prepare yourself for the kind of love He intends—for eternity.
Over the years, I’ve helped both single people and married couples with their problems. Let me tell you, dealing with issues related to sexual sins is one of the toughest challenges out there.
The grip of sexual sins can feel unshakeable, trapping people in cycles of guilt, shame, and compulsion. It’s a battle that tests your willpower and faith to the core. Many who seek guidance find themselves torn between fleeting desires promising quick satisfaction and the deeper longing for spiritual purity.
Imagine trying to climb a huge mountain; that’s what it’s like for anyone dealing with sexual sins. They get so caught up in it, like an ant trapped in a spider’s web, and it’s really hard to break free but beating temptation is very possible in God.
Breaking free from addiction and beating temptation demands a holistic strategy: prayer, accountability with trusted friends, and practical changes in daily life. It’s a journey that requires patience and empathy, understanding that setbacks aren’t failures but opportunities to recommit to recovery.
When I first started at KHC, it was super frustrating. Even after a lot of counseling and prayers, many people would just go back to their old habits. It felt like we weren’t making any progress.
We were all pretty confused until God revealed to me that sexual sins are often like spiritual traps. With God’s help, I’ve been able to guide people toward beating temptation with a kind of supernatural freedom from the spirit of perversion and deception behind these behaviors.
I’ve seen people cry and repent, only to fall back into sexual sins later. I’ve even counseled pastors who preached against these sins but struggled with them personally.
One time, I got a call about a leader who was making inappropriate advances on a church member during prayer at his branch.
I’ve also seen people fast for forty days to fight against sexual sins, but then they would just go back to their old behaviors.
Remember what it says in the Bible: “Sin won’t control you, because you’re not under the law but under grace” (Romans 6:14). No matter what you’ve been through, this truth stands strong. Jesus gave His life to free us from sin’s power.
Back in the day, people in the Old Testament used to cover their sins with animal sacrifices. Every time they messed up, they had to offer up an animal to make things right with God. But things changed when Jesus came. His death on the cross wasn’t just another sacrifice—it was the ultimate game-changer in beating temptation. His blood didn’t just cover our sins temporarily; it wiped them out completely. Imagine that—all your mistakes, gone, erased by His sacrifice.
So, now we’re not stuck under the weight of our wrongs. We’re free to embrace God’s grace, to experience real forgiveness and restoration. It’s not about trying to be perfect or earning our way to heaven; it’s about accepting what Jesus did for us and letting His love transform our lives.
So, let’s live like we’re truly forgiven like we’ve been given a fresh start. Because in Jesus, we find true freedom from sin and a new way of living that’s filled with hope and purpose.
Next, remember to ask God for forgiveness. He not only forgives but also forgets. It’s important to know that God doesn’t judge you; instead, He encourages you to turn away from sin.
Many people trapped in sexual compromise aren’t necessarily promiscuous but have endured abuse or trauma. It’s crucial to seek healing and not let past hurts control your future.
You don’t have to be controlled by sinful desires. With the Holy Spirit’s help, you can overcome these struggles and step into the future God has planned for you by beating temptation easily.
Take time today to pray for forgiveness and grace. Reflect on Psalm 125:4, and think about how you can make choices that honor God throughout your day.
Hello dear, today I will be telling you a story about two children. I trust you will learn from what they did in understanding self-control.
Anne is a five-year-old girl who loves chocolates, but her mum only gives her chocolates once in a while. There is this new girl in Anne’s class who also loves chocolate and brings it to school all the time.
It was already Wednesday and Anne’s mum had not given her any chocolate that week. She wanted at least just a little taste of it, as it felt so long since she tasted chocolate. Here comes the new classmate with two big chocolate bars, and Anne was tempted to beg for just a bite. Since she knew begging was wrong, she choose to have self-control over that situation and walk away, resisting the urge to beg.
Another story is Joe’s story. Joe is a 7 years old boy in primary four. One day, he got into a fight with one of his classmates. This classmate of his called him names, provoking Joe who gave him a punch on the face in return.
Between Anne and Joe, who do think showed self-control?
Anne! That’s correct.
I told you yesterday that Self-control is the ability to control one’s emotions or behaviour, especially in difficult situations. Understanding self-control is important.
I also showed you what the Bible says about self-control
… Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control. Proverbs 25:28 – (NIV)
You see, God has made this easy for you and me. How do I know?
See what the Bible says;
For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. 12 It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, – Titus 2:11-12 [NIV]
One amazing thing I want to show you today is that the Holy Spirit can actually help you have self-control. It’s one of the fruits of the spirit listed in the Bible.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, (23) gentlenesses, and self-control. Gal 5:22-23 (NIV)
If you find yourself acting like little Joe in our story, pray and ask the Holy Spirit to help you.
Prayer: Lord, help me in understanding self-control, and to live a self-controlled life. Amen
