Month: November 2025

A Trap for two

Have you ever faced a test that felt like a matter of life and death? I think of those American movies where a man is tied up by a crime gang and forced to confess.

Jesus was once in a similar situation. He was confronted with the case of a woman caught in adultery—a setup aimed not only at her but at Him. She may have been targeted intentionally, but Jesus was the true focus of their trap.

In that moment, it wasn’t only the woman whose life was at risk; Jesus’ life was on the line too. Yet He responded with such wisdom that the accusers dropped their stones, sparing both her and Himself.

I used to see this story only from the woman’s perspective—how Jesus saved her and gave her freedom. Now I realize it is also about Jesus: His wisdom, His mercy, and His refusal to condone killing as instant justice.

And this changes how I read every story where Jesus frees someone—whether from sin, sickness, or demonic oppression. Each story is not just about the person being helped; it is also a revelation of who Jesus is.

The same is true for us. Our encounters with Jesus are about us, but they also reveal Him. My life shows what Jesus Christ is capable of. My story is the story of Jesus too.

Divine Scorekeeper: The false image of God

For the past month in church, we’ve been studying the image of God, and it has been a profound reminder of how skewed my own image of Him used to be.

Growing up, I learned about God primarily through the adults around me and through lessons in children’s ministry. It wasn’t until I took the time to read the entire Bible on my own and learn directly from the Holy Spirit that my perception fundamentally changed.

The Lie I Believed

My childhood impression of God was a lie. I mistakenly believed He was a God whose sole delight was in punishing human beings. I thought He was a divine scorekeeper who wrote a strict set of rules, checking them off, and punishing us immediately when we failed.

I thought He only loved me when I was doing His will—a will that felt impossible to accomplish. The enemy’s lie was simple: God delights in drowning us in standards and commandments He knows we will never achieve. This false image kept me from pursuing a genuine, true relationship with Him.

The Personal Impact

This skewed view of God greatly affected my image of myself.

If I think my Creator doesn’t love me and just looks for opportunities to punish me, how can I see myself as a King’s daughter? How can I see myself as a loved and cherished daughter if all I see is a God who hovers over me and sets unachievable standards? My image of my Creator, Father, and King has everything to do with the way I see myself.

The Truth I Found

Perhaps you also struggle with some wrong impressions of God—afraid to let Him in, thinking He will ruin your life or keep you from the “good” things of life. These are all lies.

I can testify: God desperately loves us and is merciful. Unlike the rigid, fear-based picture taught in an old children’s song (“if you sin, he will see it and write it and not bless you”), I have seen God in countless expressions. My lifetime will not permit me to know Him in all His expressions.

But if there is one image I can leave with you, it is this: God desperately loves and is merciful.

I Just Learned About ‘Alienation of Affection’

This week I learned something new—”alienation of affection.”

“Alienation of affection” is a common law tort (a civil wrong) that allows a spouse to sue a third party for intentionally interfering with their marriage, which resulted in the loss or destruction of love, affection, and companionship from their spouse.

In the interesting North Carolina court case Montague v. Kennard, which ended this week, the jury reached a verdict that Kennard was ordered to pay $1.75 million in damages to Montague for “alienation of affection” and “criminal conversation.” In simple words, Kennard was found to have intentionally “stolen” Montague’s husband, and now has to pay the price.

My first thought when I came across this news item was: such a thing exists? Is it possible to go to court for such a thing?

Apparently, these torts are labeled as “outdated” and may be repealed in the near future. But this particular case has lived rent-free in my mind.

I have been thinking: was this worth it? For an earthly love? For a love that is not eternal? I do not mean to trivialize any love relationship, and I might not “get” some things. But why go to such lengths for someone who is not yours at any price?

This case has me reflect on earthly justice and God’s justice. It hit me: $1.75 million is not a few cents; it’s a tremendous amount. That is only earthly justice, but what would God’s justice look like if we truly left vengeance to Him? Does it pinch like $1.75 million?,

Letting principles thrive

I’ve been reflecting on the prodigal son and what made him take his inheritance, leave home, and waste it on reckless living. Would he have lived the same way if he had stayed home? Why did he have to go far to lose his principles? Coming from a strict Jewish home, perhaps he sought freedom, but if his values were strong, distance would not have changed him. Living far from Ghana, I see a similar challenge in myself. If I truly built good character, it should show wherever I am. Valuing the discipline I was raised with means that reckless living should feel wrong. The prodigal son reminds me that core values do not change with location; they are tested by it and should thrive in any place.

Does God have favourites?

Does God have favourites? Is the answer Yes? No? Maybe? Who cares? There have been times in my life when I felt God had “His people”. Especially when a testimony is shared of God answering for others the very prayer that has been left unanswered for a while. In those moments, it can feel like God favours some above others.

In the Bible, when we learn how God called some like Abraham, Abel, Moses, and David out of others, it’s easy to conclude that God has favorites. However, growing in my knowledge of God’s nature has taught me this: While God chooses certain people for specific purposes, His arms are open to all, and He is good to all. The good news is that His love is not limited to some of His creation. Nor are His blessings for a certain group of people. Everyone can be God’s favourite. God actually wants us all to be His favourites.

Let’s talk about Hagar, who was mistreated by Abraham and Sarah, “God’s people”. God saw her, heard her cry, and came to her rescue when she needed help. Think about the daughters of Zelophehad, who God made an exception for them and ensured they received their portion because they asked. Think of Nebuchadnezzar, a pagan king, who God humbled and restored before receiving his worship.

Throughout the Bible, we see outsiders, foreigners, and outcasts who sought God or cried out to Him and received mercy and blessing. Ruth, a Moabite, and Rahab, a Canaanite—both foreign women—became part of the lineage of Jesus Christ. The people of Nineveh, though not part of God’s own, had their repentance accepted by God. The Canaanite woman whose faith made Jesus heal her daughter, and Cornelius the Roman centurion, who God chose to host Peter and cause a major shift in Christianity.

God is good and His heart is beyond our understanding. He shines His goodness on the righteous and even on the wicked. So if the only reason to count yourself as not one of “His favorites” is because of unanswered prayers, remember God does not practice favouritism. God loves all His children and welcomes all who call on Him. And He responds to all prayers, though not always as we expect. Even if doubts whisper that we don’t belong or we aren’t favoured, we must remember — God loves everyone. He loves the world so deeply that He will not withhold any good thing, especially from those who have chosen Him through His Son.