(by pastor Norman)

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matt 5:16). We are to walk in obedience to God (1 Peter 1:2) bringing glory to His name. King David told us to be blameless, upright, truthful, godly and full of integrity in our actions and speech, hating evil but honouring other Christians (Ps 15). If we allow, the Holy Spirit will develop His fruit in our lives, “Love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, self-control” (Gal 5:22,23; NKJV). The apostle Peter also exhorted us to add virtue, knowledge and perseverance (2 Peter 1:5-7). In Colossians 3:13-15 the apostle Paul taught us to put on tender mercies, humility, meekness, forgiveness and to bear with the faults and weakness we perceive in others. God’s word should be a main-stay of our lives (Phil 2:16) as we walk steadfastly in faith (1 Tim 6:11), purity (1 Tim 4:12), prayer (1 Thess 5:17), holiness (1 Thess 3:13), righteousness (1 Tim 6:11) and brotherly affection (Rom 12:10) giving from the heart (Acts 20:35). As Christians, we are to have tender hearts, full of sympathy and compassion (1 Peter 3:8, Col 3:12). The list above is not complete nor in any order of priority. How do you grow in all of this? The Holy Spirit wants to transform us from glory to glory to be more Christ-like so let's give Him access to our lives (2 Cor 3:18). Don’t get condemned, none of us are perfect. Paul said he was not perfect but pressed on to be more like Christ (Phil 3:12-14).