Mabena

Hello everyone 🙌🏾

So last time, we looked at LOVE, and we were reminded of how "God expressed his love for us through giving and sacrifice." A question was asked that what do we do in situations where loving can put ourselves or others in danger? Have you been able to answer it? I guess the story of Jonathan and David gives us a clue.

Anyway, we continue our studies on the fruit of the Holy Spirit, and this time, we are going to look at JOY.

●What is JOY?
●How can I have it?
●Can I lose it?
●How do I maintain it?

The first point we must establish is that this is the work of the Holy Spirit and has nothing to do with human effort. It's the Holy Spirit that produces this fruit in us just like all other fruit.

WHAT IS JOY?

It is a deep, abiding, and spiritual gladness that stems from knowing God, trusting His promises, and experiencing His presence, regardless of external circumstances. It's the awareness of God's presence, not on positive circumstances. In other words, I don't have joy because everything around me is positive. It is not temporary happiness dependent on happenings, but a stable "joy in the Holy Spirit" and a fruit of God's character.

HOW CAN I HAVE IT?

It's a seed the Holy Spirit produces in a believer, a person who has confessed Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. Once this is done, the Holy Spirit, who is a gift to the believer, starts to produce this fruit and the other 8 in you. God is the source of all joy ~ Psalm 43:4

CAN I LOSE IT?

No! However, sometimes, challenges in life can make you feel like you've lost it. Don't forget this is the work of the Holy Spirit and not human effort. You can only say you've lost it completely when you don't also have the Holy Spirit, which is something that won't happen ⁹because the Holy Spirit is the seal of our salvation ~ Ephesians 1:13

*HOW DO I MAINTAIN IT*

*1. Focus on Jesus Christ:*
Jesus Christ is our example. The bible says he endured the cross for the "joy set before him." Hebrews 12:2. Joy is a deep-seated confidence in God's love and faithfulness. It's within you.

*2. Develop the Attitude of Gratitude:*
We must choose to thank and praise God regardless of circumstances. It's a choice we must make daily, irrespective of what we're going through daily. 1 Thessalonians 5:16, Philippians 4:4

*3. Trusting in God's Sovereignty:*
In the midst of challenges, you choose security in God's power over problems. Romans 12:12 encourages us to rejoice in hope. But how can you rejoice in hope and patience in affliction? It's because you know your God has the final say. You rejoice in God's promises rather than current circumstances. You know that He who has called you is faithful, and he'll do it ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:24. He is sovereign over all things.

*ENCOURAGEMENT*
Nehemiah 8:10

Nehemiah had to encourage the Israelites who were grieving to celebrate instead because the joy of the Lord is their strength. That divine joy, rather than human circumstances, provides enduring strength. This represents a deep-seated confidence in God's love and faithfulness, acting as a spiritual, empowering force that fosters resilience during trials and challenges. Paul makes a similar statement in James 1:2-4, where he encourages believers to "count it all joy when you fall into various trials' because it has a higher reward of strengthening your faith to see God for who He is - faithful.

If you can't feel the joy of the Lord, ask the Holy Spirit to cause it to ripen in you.
Galatians 5:22-23

1 month ago | [YT] | 1

Mabena

I was in the middle of a hospital waiting area when it happened.
My SEN child suddenly ran across the room and pushed another child. My heart dropped instantly. In that moment, I felt everything at once — exhaustion from the journey we had been on, disappointment after trying so hard to stop the behaviour, and that familiar fear of judgement from others watching.
I braced myself for anger. I expected harsh words, frustration, or condemnation.
Instead, the other child’s mum looked at me gently and said, “It’s okay. My son is okay. I understand.”
And I broke down in tears right there in the hospital — not just because of the situation with my child, but because a stranger met us with unexpected goodness. In a moment where I felt overwhelmed and exposed, she responded with grace instead of judgment. This was a while ago, however that moment stayed with me deeply. It reminded me what true goodness looks like.


Hello friends 👋 , today we are continuing our series on the Fruit of the Spirit, and we will be looking at goodness.
Goodness is often misunderstood. Many people think a “good person” is simply someone who is nice, soft, naïve, weak, ignorant or avoids conflict. But biblical goodness is much deeper than that.
A good person is not weak, naive, gullible, or soft. A good person is strong but chooses not to use that strength to harm others. Goodness is the decision to do what is right, even when it would be easier to do wrong. A good person notices the struggles of others and often chooses to help quietly, without needing recognition or praise.
A good person is not perfect. They may have the power to be harsh or selfish, but they choose what is right instead. As Christians, we are called to reflect God’s goodness in both heart and action.
“Do not become weary in doing good…” (Galatians 6:9)

It is important to understand that goodness in itself does not bring salvation. Salvation is not earned by good works but received by grace through faith.
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith… not by works…” (Ephesians 2:8-9)
A beautiful example of goodness in Scripture is Ruth. She chose to stay with her mother-in-law Naomi after great loss, leaving behind her own home, security, and comfort to care for her. Her actions showed loyalty, love, and selfless commitment (Ruth chapter 1,2,3,4)

True goodness is not weakness. It is strength under control (proverbs 25:28 ). choosing what is right even when you have the power to do otherwise.
And as believers, we are not left to do this alone. God, through His Spirit, helps us to practice goodness each day. let’s practice goodness today leaning on God’s strength and grace.

Thanks for stopping by, share and please consider following us if you find this helpful!

3 months ago | [YT] | 1

Mabena

Hello Friends 😊

Thank you for joining us once again as we continue looking at the fruits of the Spirit. We hope and trust that wherever you are in your journey of faith this is increasing your understanding and even challenging some beliefs.

We have been learning that fruit is the outward expression of the inward working of the Holy Spirit in the life of a person who lives their life following Jesus/God.

Talking of journeys....for those of you with children how many times have you made the decision not to provide advance information about future activities to your children to save yourselves the multiple questions that usually followed until you’re children were experiencing the event 😄

I am sure many can relate to this. It was not the children, they just did what children do, but we realised we struggled to endure the how long, why not, are we there yet, how many days and more questions...😅

Today, from the fruit of the Spirit we are focusing on *Patience*. You may have heard it said... "Patience is a virtue" . But what does the bible mean when it talks about Patience in this context of fruit 🤔

Patience, also long suffering, is the willingness to stick with things to the long haul, having an even temper, forbearing with the other, having a good attitude when waiting.

It is an expression of love and the character we demonstrate in waiting.

In the bible, God introduces himself as one who suffers long or the patient God. That is who He is. His very nature.

This nature of God is to achieve one purpose...to give people time to recognise their need for God and to save them. God does not want people to live a life separated from Him, He wants all people to know Him and his love for them. So he waits....

Unlike us parents who withhold information from our children, God has given us all we need to know about Himself, life, your life, purpose and meaning in what we know as the bible. He has not held back so that we can ask as many questions and with His help come to know him and who we are so we can make the choice to follow him and live for him.

This will intern also help us to show this same patience to others. We can forebear others through the same kindness we have received from God so that they too can come to God.

Patience is for the long haul...it is not a one time event. Here today, gone tomorrow...it is everyday. Because God is good and He understands what it means to be patient, he strengthens us. We have only to ask (pray)...

Prayer from the bible...
Paul, one of the people who faithfully served God and gave his life to bring more people to knowing God wrote this prayer for the Colossian church.

"Be assured that from the first day we heard of you, we haven’t stopped praying for you, asking God to give you wise minds and spirits attuned to his will, and so acquire a thorough understanding of the ways in which God works. We pray that you’ll live well for the Master, making him proud of you as you work hard in his orchard. As you learn more and more how God works, you will learn how to do your work. We pray that you’ll have the strength to stick it out over the long haul—not the grim strength of gritting your teeth but the glory-strength God gives. It is strength that endures the unendurable and spills over into joy, thanking the Father who makes us strong enough to take part in everything bright and beautiful that he has for us.

God rescued us from dead-end alleys and dark dungeons. He’s set us up in the kingdom of the Son he loves so much, the Son who got us out of the pit we were in, got rid of the sins we were doomed to keep repeating."

We also pray this for you in Jesus name.
We pray that you will receive God's love and patience and grow in it.

Friends we hope this triggers a curiosity to find out more about God and His patience which you can live. We encourage you to take the bible and start reading.

Here are some scriptures you can Google or start reading if you are more familiar with the bible and let God show you more truth.

Galatians 5:22
Exodus 34:6
Numbers 14:18
Psalms 86:15
Romans 2:4
Romans 9:22
1 Peter 3:20
2 Peter 3:9
2 Peter 3:15
1 Timothy 1:16
Colossians 1:11
Colossians 3:12

3 months ago | [YT] | 1

Mabena

Hi everyone! 😊
We’re continuing our series on the fruit of the Spirit—and today, we’re talking about peace.
Because let’s be honest… life can feel a bit like a group chat that never stops pinging 😅—so it’s no surprise people keep asking, “What does real peace actually look like?”
Jesus gives us a clear answer in John 14:27:
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
His peace is different.
The world’s peace is like Wi-Fi—great when it’s working, gone when you need it most. But Christ’s peace is steady and not dependent on circumstances.
It is internal, lasting, and a gift from God—not something we have to produce ourselves.
The peace of God can be as simple as feeling safe, calm, and secure, even when life around you isn’t.
Peace, like the other fruits of the Spirit, is a seed.
And seeds must be nurtured to grow.
We grow in peace by staying connected to Christ and allowing His Word to shape us daily.
Now, a quick reality check:
• Peace isn’t laziness. It’s calmness while still showing up.
• Peace isn’t avoiding conflict. Sometimes love requires hard conversations.
• Peace isn’t “waiting on God” when it’s really avoidance.
Real peace is staying grounded while doing what is right.
We are called to actively pursue peace—through forgiveness, restraint, and wise responses( Hebrews 12:14)
Peace also doesn’t mean staying in harmful situations.
Wisdom and boundaries matter.
When in doubt, return to Jesus. Ask Him. Let Him lead.
Carry a peace that is noticeable.
Let it point others back to God.

4 months ago | [YT] | 1

Mabena

In the 1980's "Whats love got to do with it" was released which flew up the charts. This song lyrics "whats love but a second-hand emotion" , "Who needs a heart when a heart can be broken" glorified the relationship and attraction between a man and a woman without love. A relationship based purely on the physical aspects while pushing their hearts and emotions aside to avoid getting hurt.

This seems to be a culture of the world where relationships become physical, logical or even contractual....but this is not the culture of the Kingdom of God. God calls us into a love relationship with himself and with each other.

We are still on Fruits of the Spirit.

Galatians 5:22-23 NKJV
[22] But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, [23] gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.

These are fruits born by the Spirit of God and not self engineered. True fruits that lasts through eternity can only be born by that which is eternal, against which there is no law.

Paul an apostle of Jesus encourages us to
I Corinthians 12:31 NKJV
[31] But earnestly desire the best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way.

The way of love.

I Corinthians 13:4-7 NKJV
[4] Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; [5] does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; [6] does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; [7] bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Love never fails.

❤️ is expressed in 4 main types

❤️Storge - general affection
❤️Phillia - friendship love
❤️Eros - Romantic love
❤️Agape - The love of God expressed through his Son Jesus

The strongest of these is the love of God. Bible says God is love 1John 4:8
He is the definition of love that means if we want to know and understand ❤️ we need to look at Him. How did he express love.

God expressed His love through giving and sacrifice. His love made way for us to receive life. Eternal life.

Modern culture talks about love languages as a way to express and receive love.

God's love language is obedience and faith. He calls us to a faith walk with him trusting in his ways and obeying Him. Receiving His love and living in this love with our relationship with each other.

I love the story of David and Jonathan in 1 Samuel 20. Jonathan hier to his father's throne, is aware David has been anointed the next King which puts his succession to the throne at risk. Yet, whilst his father Saul is determined to kill David, he protects him.

Saul puts it to Jonathan this way
I Samuel 20:31 NKJV
[31] For as long as the son of Jesse lives on the earth, you shall not be established, nor your kingdom. Now therefore, send and bring him to me, for he shall surely die.”

But Jonathan protests!
What a ❤️!
Jonathan's love goes beyond what is friendship to Agape. A sacrificial love. He lays down His life and his right to the throne to see David established.

Father Thank you so much for your love. Thank you for calling us into a walk of faith and obedience in love. We want to love you more each day. Help us love you by your Spirit and love each by this same love.

Matthew 22:37-39 NKJV
[37] Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ [38] This is the first and great commandment. [39] And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’

John 13:34-35 NKJV
[34] A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. [35] By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

Want to learn even more about love?
Read the bible book of-
- 1 John
- 1 Corinthians 13
You are loved!
Remain blessed.

4 months ago | [YT] | 1

Mabena

Hello everyone 🙌

Over the next couple of weeks, we’re going to dive into the 9 Fruit of the Spirit—growing together and becoming more like Christ each day 🌱🍇

1️⃣ Given by the Holy Spirit 🕊️
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace…” — Galatians 5:22–23

2️⃣ Already planted in every believer 🌱
“His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life…” — 2 Peter 1:3

3️⃣ They make us more like Jesus ✝️
“We are being transformed into His image with ever-increasing glory…” — 2 Corinthians 3:18

4️⃣ They need cultivating to grow 🌿
“Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow…” — 1 Peter 2:2

5️⃣ They grow through the Word, prayer & obedience 📖🙏🏽
“If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit…” — John 15:5

6️⃣ They show we belong to God 👑
“By their fruit you will recognize them…” — Matthew 7:16

7️⃣ They reflect spiritual maturity 🌳
“...become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.” — Ephesians 4:13

8️⃣ Some grow faster than others 🌼
“Make every effort to add to your faith goodness… knowledge… self-control…” — 2 Peter 1:5–7

9️⃣ God is helping us grow them all 💪🏽✨
“He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion…” — Philippians 1:6

🔟 We’re encourage to self examine ourselves to determine which specific fruit may need a little pre attention and nurturing 🔍
“Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith…” — 2 Corinthians 13:5


💭 Take a moment to reflect:
Which fruit is growing strong in your life?
Which one needs a little more attention?
👀 Stay tuned—we’ll be unpacking each fruit one by one in the coming weeks! 🍇🔥


Blessings !

4 months ago | [YT] | 1