Fruitful Living
Overview of the Holy Spirit and His Work (Final Part)
Significantly, Jesus says that those who live as if there is no God will not recognise the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. This indicates that the Holy Spirit reveals Himself only to those who are willing to believe in and receive Jesus Christ into their lives as Saviour and Lord.
Only then can they experience God’s presence with them: helping, guiding, comforting and advising. Our success in life, from God’s perspective, depends on how much we obey Him.
Obedience only comes when we allow the Holy Spirit to come alongside us to help us.
In John 14:26 Jesus says that the Holy Spirit will teach us all things. The more we know, the more revelation we have and it is the Holy Spirit who leads us deeper and deeper into the Truth of God.
Also, the Holy Spirit will help us to understand the truths taught by Jesus, thus enabling us to apply these truths in our daily lives.
Think of the many times we have been tempted to do something wrong when it comes for the Holy Spirit to remind us about the right conduct.
Many times we say “I was going to do so and so and something told me not to.” Well is it not something but Someone – the Holy Spirit.
In the John 16:7-15 passage Jesus says that the Holy Spirit will convince people about sin – the sin of unbelief.
Not only will the Holy Spirit convince people about sin but will also let them know that God’s righteousness is in Christ Jesus. He will also convince people that on the Cross at Calvary evil stands condemned and defeated.
Jesus calls us to get to know Him better so that in that knowledge we will understand how much God loves us and the wonderful plans He has for our lives.
The Holy Spirit has been given to help us so that we can come into the fullness of our abundant life.
In closing, let us ponder over Methodist Hymn number 293 on the Person, Mission and Work of the Holy Spirit:
CREATOR Spirit; by whose aid O Source of uncreated heat,
The world’s foundations first were laid; The Father’s promised Paraclete, Come, visit every waiting mind. Thrice holy Fount, thrice holy Fire,
Come, pour Thy joys on human kind; Our hearts with heavenly love inspire;
From sin and sorrow set us free, Come, and Thy sacred unction bring
And make Thy temples worthy Thee. To sanctify us while we sing.
Create all new; our wills control, Immortal honour, endless fame,
Subdue the rebel in our soul;Attend the Almighty Father’s name
Make us eternal truths receive, The Saviour Son be glorified,
And practise all that we believe; Who for lost man’s redemption died;
Give us thyself, that we may see And equal adoration be,
The Father and he Son by Thee. Eternal Comforter, to Thee.
Stay blessed!
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By Dr Joyce Aryee, the author
Dr Joyce Aryee —the author
Fruitful Living
Qur’anic Evidence on Environmental Responsibility (Part 2)
Allah draws our attention to the divine wisdom in creating the earth and subjugating its resources for human benefit:
“It is He Who created for you all that is on the earth.” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:29).
“And He has subjected to you, as from Him, all that is in the heavens and on earth. Behold, in that are signs indeed for those who reflect.” (Surah Al-Jathiyah, 45:13).
These verses affirm that the natural world is a divine gift created for human benefit, but not for reckless exploitation.
The trust (Amaanah) placed upon mankind requires careful and sustainable use, respecting the rights of future generations and all other creatures.
Islam and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
SDG 6 – Clean Water
and Sanitation
Clean water and hygiene are essential for life and spiritual purity. Islam obliges ablution (wudu) and cleanliness as part of daily worship.
The preservation of life (Hifz al- Nafs) is one of the five objectives of Shariah, and access to clean water and sanitation plays a key role in achieving it.
SDG 13 – Climate Action
Islam calls for moderation in consumption and energy use. Wastefulness (Israf) is condemned:
“Indeed, the wasteful are brothers of the devils, and the devil is ever ungrateful to his Lord.”
(Surah Al-Isra, 17:27).
Climate change, driven by overuse of fossil fuels and deforestation, threatens life on earth.
Muslims are taught to protect air quality, plant trees, and reduce carbon emissions—principles that resonate with SDG 13.
SDG 14 – Life below water
Oceans and marine ecosystems are under threat from pollution and overfishing. The Prophet warned against contaminating water:
“Do not urinate in stagnant water which people use.” (Sahih Muslim, Hadith 282).
This Hadith underscores early Islamic environmental regulations aimed at preserving clean water and marine life.
SDG 15 – Life on Land
Islamic teachings are rich in directives for land preservation. Allah warns: “And the earth we have spread out, and placed therein firm mountains and caused to grow therein all kinds of things in due proportion.” (Surah Al-Hijr, 15:19).
Tree felling without cause, soil erosion, and habitat destruction are all contrary to Islamic ethics.
By Imam Alhaji Saeed Abdulai, the Author
Fruitful Living
Why Should I forgive others? (Final)
Forgiveness is thenhigher way
Paul acknowledges the gravity of Onesimus’ offense. Legally and ethically, Onesimus had done wrong. Under Roman law, Philemon had every right to punish him. Yet Paul calls him to choose a higher path—grace.
“For this perhaps is why he was parted from you for a while, that you might have him back forever” (v. 15). Paul reframes the pain of separation as a providential opportunity for lasting unity.
As Christians, we’re invited to see beyond the offense and choose the eternal perspective. Forgiveness isn’t minimising the pain—it’s maximising the grace of God. It’s choosing to imitate Christ, who bore our sin without bitterness.
We are a forgiven people
Years in ministry often reveal a painful pattern: unresolved conflict and an unwillingness to forgive can cripple individuals and entire communities. Families drift. Churches divide. And the gospel is obscured by pride and pain.
Someone said something. Someone got offended. Someone refused to forgive. And so, healing never happened. Every time forgiveness is withheld, the Body of Christ suffers. But when we take steps to reconcile, we bear witness to the redemptive power of the gospel.
Forgiveness is more than an emotional release—it is a spiritual act of obedience. It puts God’s grace on display. It makes visible the invisible love of Christ.
Are you struggling
to forgive ?
Here are five helpful questions to evaluate your heart:
1. Do I feel anger or anxiety when I think about this person?
2. Do I secretly wish for them to suffer as I did?
3. Would I serve or help them if they needed it?
4. Can I sincerely pray for their well-being?
5. Would I be upset if God blessed them?
These questions don’t condemn us—they guide us. They help us identify areas where grace is still needed, where healing is still possible.
CONCLUSION
Forgiveness is one of the most Christlike things we can do. It doesn’t ignore justice—it entrusts it to God. It doesn’t excuse the offense—it acknowledges the cost and chooses love anyway.
Is there a Philemon in your life? Someone you need to forgive? Or are you more like Onesimus—longing to return but unsure if you’ll be received?
Today is a good day to choose grace. For the sake of the gospel, the Church, and your own soul, why not begin the process of forgiveness?
Let’s make this commitment together: By the grace of Christ, I will pursue unity, forgive freely, and live in the freedom that only forgiveness brings.
- By Rev. Dr Joyce Aryee, the author
