Tag: faith
-
Temperance as a Fruit of the Spirit: Lessons from F. D. Maurice and John Stuart Mill
Paul tells us in Galatians 5:22–23 that one of the fruits of the Spirit is temperance—or self-control. This fruit reminds us that Christian maturity is not just about passion or conviction, but about living with balance, restraint, and wisdom that serves the good of others. When I think of temperance, I see how it shone—though…
-
Rediscovering the Kingdom: From Adam Smith to F. D. Maurice
When we hear the phrase “the kingdom of God is here now,” many of us imagine a spiritual ideal, a distant reality yet to come. But Jesus’ teaching often emphasized a present, active kingdom — a call for justice, mercy, and love to transform society today. Surprisingly, there’s a historical thread linking this vision of…
-
Selfless Love
Selfless love is at the heart of discipleship and spiritual growth. Here’s how it is often understood: 1. Rooted in Christ’s Example Jesus embodied agapē love — the Greek word for unconditional, sacrificial love. He reached out to the marginalized, forgave enemies, healed the sick, and gave himself fully for others without asking what he…
-
Worship in Spirit and in Truth — The Heart of True Devotion
In John 4:24, Jesus told the Samaritan woman at the well: “God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” At first glance, these words seem simple — yet they hold a depth that reshapes how we approach God, both in our personal lives and in the gathered worship of…
-
God is Love
💜 Love at the Center: Understanding 1 John 4:7–10 “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love. By this the love of God was manifested in us,…
-
Membership in God’s Family
There are certain verses in Scripture that stay with us throughout life. We return to them again and again, and each time we discover something new. For me, Galatians 3:28 is one of those verses. “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you…
-
“Day by Day”: Finding Meaning in Solitude Through Song
This morning, during my quiet prayer time, I came across a hymn that spoke directly to a deep place in my soul. “Day by Day” by Karoline Sandell-Berg is more than just a beautiful piece of music—it is a profound reminder of how God’s love sustains us, even when life feels confusing, lonely, or uncertain.…
-
Wildest dreams
Have you ever caught yourself praying small, hesitant prayers—asking for just enough strength to make it through the day, or just enough hope to keep going? Then you read something like Ephesians 3:20 in The Message: “God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest…
-
Silence and Solitude
The Christian disciplines of silence and solitude are ancient spiritual practices that have been central to Christian spiritual formation since the early Church. They are not merely about being alone or quiet but are deeply intentional disciplines that foster intimacy with God, deepen self-awareness, and cultivate spiritual maturity. 1. What Is Silence in the Christian…
-
No Weekend War
The News reports are depressing. The pictures of children starving in Gaza are inhumane. The destruction of property and the killing of innocent people in Ukraine and Gaza due to war are inexcusable. The establishment of a whites-only community in Missouri is disgusting. The flood deaths in Texas are beyond belief. The number of senior…
The Curious Pilgrim 