A reflection authored by Carol Petersen
This year’s Lenten program followed the Langham Partnership (UK & Ireland) “9 – A Day” series, focusing on the fruits of the Holy Spirit. It was a phenomenal six weeks of learning, growth, and fellowship.
The Apostle Paul describes the fruits of the Spirit as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22–23). These qualities reflect God’s character and the behaviour of those living according to His Spirit. When we reflect God’s image, we are like branches connected to the vine, yielding its fruit.
The program was a journey toward becoming more Christ-like. This means living out the fruits of the Holy Spirit through a process of transformation, where God’s Spirit works within us to shape our character to reflect Jesus, rather than our own motives. It is about allowing the Holy Spirit to change our hearts from the inside out so that our thoughts, words, and actions naturally reflect Christ.
The program concluded as we entered Holy Week. The lessons on the fruits of the Spirit became even more meaningful as we reflected on how Jesus embodied them under extreme pressure, betrayal, and suffering. We saw how He transformed difficult emotions into spiritual strength.
As we followed Jesus to the cross, we witnessed how He was mocked, spat upon, and falsely accused, yet He did not retaliate. He remained gentle and kind. When we are treated unfairly, patience enables us to endure without passing on the hurt. Gentleness is “power under control”—choosing to respond with quiet strength that de-escalates situations. In moments of pain, when we are tempted to lash out or withdraw, self-control helps us remain grounded in our values.
When God feels distant, faithfulness is simply showing up—continuing to pray, remaining honest, and staying committed even when we don’t feel “spiritual” or “blessed.” In times of deep suffering, when we tend to become self-absorbed, one of the most Christ-like responses is to love others—reaching out to serve or encourage, even while we are hurting.
Living out the fruits of the Spirit in everyday life, especially during crises, means anchoring ourselves in the hope of what God is doing through our trials, trusting that restoration will come. When anxiety arises, we are called to surrender fully to God. True peace comes from trusting the Father, even when we cannot see His hand.
We do not produce these fruits through effort alone; we bear them by remaining connected to the Spirit.
This has been my most meaningful Lenten program since I began attending. It came at a significant point in my spiritual journey, where a deeper understanding of the fruits of the Spirit has drawn me closer to God.
The program was well attended throughout the six weeks, and in true St. Stephen’s fashion, each session began with a lovely meal before watching the videos and engaging in discussion. Proteus Seda led us with humility, allowing conversations to develop naturally while gently guiding us with thoughtful questions. This created space for meaningful and enriching discussions.
For me, the people at church are no longer just congregants of St. Stephen’s, but friends who have shared in this journey of growth. Thank you to Rev. Charmaine James and the team for facilitating such a powerful and impactful 2026 Lenten program.
