7 & 8 Mar 2026 (Pastoral Page) ROOTED IN THE SPIRIT: GROWING FAITH THROUGH THE WORD

by Dn Yvonne Chong

Every December I would look forward to celebrating Christmas - the carols, the visits to homes and hospitals, the familiar melodies that fills the wards with Hope.  One song we often sing “I Have a Gift” (a Chinese song). The song echoes the need to receive the gift that is given by the Giver. It is free and it only needs to be received.

Each time we sing it, I remember her.

The old lady with white hair, seated in a wheelchair a few steps away from the nursing counter during one of our visits to the wards. Her small frame stretched as far as she could, leaning forward, raising slightly, trying to catch a glimpse of the choir, singing along with a smile on her face. As I watch her, she begins to stretch up and down. Trying to catch a better view of the guitar player.

Finally unable to contain her frustration any longer, she pulls the uniform of the nurse and cries out, “I can’t see. I want to see more.”

It is a picture of what happens when a soul longs for a clearer view of God. She did not know that what she was stretching toward was more than music. She was reaching, perhaps unknowingly, for a better glimpse of the Giver Himself.

And what she was about to experience was beyond her imagination. God the Giver wants to show her something amazing. Something new. Salvation is just the first step of the journey that will lead to transformed lives. He does not stop at saving us; He sanctifies us.

The Quiet Work of Sanctification

I first heard about the fruit of the Spirit as teenager in The Bible Church Sunday School. We were asked to memorize Galatians 5:22-23.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” At that age, I could recite the words—but I did not yet understand them. Over time, I learned that these are not personality traits we manufacture. They are evidence of the Holy Spirit’s work. They are not primarily outward expressions but inward transformed character.

In every generation, believers are tempted to measure spiritual life by what is visible, dramatic, or emotionally powerful. Yet the Apostle Paul gives us a very different measure of maturity. He does not point first to gifts, manifestations, or outward signs. He points to fruit.

As you may already be aware, fruit grows quietly; fruit takes time; fruit reveals the health of the tree. A genuine, renewed heart that changes how a person acts, rather than just superficial behaviour modification.

We are often asked “How does the spirit work to transform us?” The Spirit works by renewing our minds and changing our character through the reading of His Word consistently, understanding the Bible with solid expository preaching, prayer according to God’s revealed will and even through pain and suffering.

Throughout the 23 years of running Alpha since 2003, we have witnessed the growth of many new believers in our church. Some have become Sunday School teachers, some playing in the music ministry and others welcoming as ushers. When asked “How did accepting Christ make a difference in your life?”, their answers are strikingly similar.

They speak of inward change.

Patience replaces impulsiveness, Compassion overcome judgment, Humility tempers pride. My favourite story is when a new believer shared that the desire to go clubbing and smoking simply disappeared after receiving Christ. Obedience that was once burdensome, became joyful.

Rooted Deeply in Christ

Sanctification is slow, often hidden work. Like a tree growing strong roots before visible fruit, God develops depth in us through the sanctification process before we display the fruits.

An oak tree does not grow in a day. Neither does Christlike character.

But when believers commit to daily Bible reading and regular gathering with the saints, roots go deep. Storms may come, but faith remains steady because it is anchored below the surface.

And perhaps that is what that elderly lady teaches us.

“I can’t see. I want to see more.”

May that be the cry of our hearts—not merely for better circumstances, but for a clearer vision of God. As we stretch toward Him, He is faithful to reveal Himself. The Giver continues to give—not only the gift of salvation, but the lifelong grace of sanctification.

May we be rooted in His Spirit, growing quietly, steadily, and fruitfully for His glory.