Fruitful Living
Christians must lead crusade on proper sanitation practices in communities’
Some Christians displaying proper sanitation practices
The Dansoman branch Overseer of the World Mission Society Church of God (General Pastor, Kim Joo-Cheol) Mr Kunwoo Song, has urged Christians to lead proper sanitation practices in their communities, as ‘cleanliness is next to godliness.’
He said the Church must encourage its members to clean their surroundings very often, because it is the duty of Christians to protect God’s creation, especially the environment.
Mr Song said this last Sunday when the church undertook a clean-up exercise on the Odorkor-Kasoa highway in Accra.
It was part of their annual activities in promoting proper sanitation practices in the country.
The seven-hour exercise saw hundreds of church members defy the early rains to clear domestic waste on the highway.
Mr Song said the church had over the years undertaken such exercises, as a means to spread the teachings on the significance of keeping the environment from filth.
He said it was the responsibility of believers of God to protect the environment, stressing that Christians must champion proper sanitation practices in their communities, to even encourage non-believers to do same.
The Member of Parliament (MP) for Weija-Gbawe constituency, Madam Tina Gifty Naa Ayele Mensah, who also led some members of the public to participate in the exercise, expressed gratitude to the Church for organising the event.
She said last Sunday’s clean-up exercise was the second time by the World Mission Society Church of God in the constituency, and urged the public to keep their surroundings clean.
By Bernard Benghan
Fruitful Living
What Does It Mean That God is good? 5 Examples in Everyday Life (FINAL PART)
“Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him!” – Psalm 34:8
3. Protecting Us
GOD’S goodness is also evident in how He protects us, both from dangers we see and those we don’t. We’ve all heard stories of people narrowly avoiding accidents or harm because of an unexpected delay or change of plans. This is one of the ways God watches over us.
But His protection also extends to less obvious areas. Think of the workplace drama or gossip that never reaches your ears, the mistakes that could have been much worse, or the opportunities that didn’t work out only to lead to something better. These are all signs of God’s protective hand guiding and shielding us. Whether we recognise it or not, God is constantly working behind the scenes, orchestrating events for our good and safeguarding us from harm.
“The Lord will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life.” – Psalm 121:7 (NIV)
4. Speaking to Us through Prayer
One of the clearest ways we experience God’s goodness is through prayer. Prayer is our direct line to God, the way we communicate with Him, share our hearts, and seek His guidance. Through prayer, God reveals His will, gives us peace, and answers our deepest longings, sometimes in ways we don’t expect.
God’s goodness is reflected in how He listens to our prayers. He answers in His perfect timing, whether it’s a “yes,” “no,” or “wait.” Even in His silence, He is working things out for our good, often providing direction through His Word, a feeling of peace, or the wisdom of others.
“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.” – 1 John 5:14 (NIV)
5. Guiding Us
We make countless decisions each day, from the mundane to the life-changing, and in all of it, God is guiding us. His goodness is seen in the way He gently nudges our hearts, gives us wisdom, and leads us down the path He has set for us.
When we take time to pause and seek His guidance, God provides clarity and peace. Whether it’s through the Holy Spirit’s still, small voice or circumstances aligning in our favor, His guidance is always rooted in His goodness. He steers us away from harmful decisions and toward paths that fulfill His purpose for our lives.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” – Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)
Conclusion
God’s goodness isn’t just an abstract idea or something we acknowledge when good things happen—it’s woven into every moment of our lives. From the breath we take each morning to the protection we often overlook; His goodness surrounds us daily.
The next time you’re tempted to only acknowledge God’s goodness when something monumental happens, take a step back and reflect on the small ways He shows up for you every single day. Whether through His protection, guidance, or simply waking you up to live another day, God is constantly demonstrating His goodness. And as Psalm 34:8 reminds us, “Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!”
When we recognise these everyday examples, we’ll find that God’s goodness is far greater than we can comprehend. It’s not limited by our circumstances—it’s a reflection of who He is.
By Rev. Dr Joyce Aryee, the author
Fruitful Living
Institution of Marriage in Islam (Pt.2)
Imam Abdulai – Author
Rights and Responsibilities of Husband and Wife in Islamic Marriage
Islam defines the roles and responsibilities of spouses in a balanced way, emphasising mutual respect and kindness.
The husband is responsible for providing financial support (nafaqah) to his wife and family, as mentioned in the Qur’an: “Men are the protectors and maintainers of women, because Allah has given the one more (strength) than the other, and because they support them from their means” (Qur’an 4:34).
On the other hand, the wife’s primary responsibility is managing the household and caring for the children. However, these roles are not fixed, and Islam encourages cooperation and shared responsibilities, depending on the circumstances of the family.
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) advised husbands to treat their wives kindly: “The best among you are those who are best to their wives” (Tirmidhi, 1162).
This underscores the principle of mutual kindness, respect, and care that must be the foundation of every Islamic marriage.
Criteria for Selecting a Spouse in Islam
Islam provides clear guidance on the criteria for selecting a spouse, ensuring that the foundation of the marriage is based on piety, character, and compatibility.
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “A woman is married for four reasons: her wealth, her family status, her beauty, and her religion. So marry the one who is religious, may you be blessed!” (Bukhari, 5090; Muslim, 1466).
This hadith further indicates that while wealth, beauty, and family status may be factors in choosing a spouse, the most important consideration should be religious commitment. A person who is deeply connected to their faith is more likely to maintain a strong moral character and fulfill their responsibilities in marriage.
For men, the Qur’an provides guidance on selecting a righteous wife:
“So marry those that please you of [other] women, two or three or four. But if you fear that you will not be just, then [marry only] one or those your right hand possesses. That is more suitable that you may not incline [to injustice]” (Qur’an 4:3).
This verse emphasises the importance of fairness and justice in marriage. While polygamy is permitted in Islam, it is conditioned upon the man’s ability to treat all wives equally, financially, and emotionally.
For women, it is important to seek a husband who exhibits good character and a strong connection to his faith. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) advised: “If a man comes to you and you are satisfied with his religion and character, marry him. If you do not do so, there will be corruption and great evil on earth” (Tirmidhi, 1084).
The emphasis on piety and good character ensure that the couple will be able to support each other in their religious obligations and build a harmonious household.
Sexual Relationship in Islam and Proper Conduct
In Islam, the sexual relationship between a husband and wife is viewed as an important aspect of marriage that fosters love, intimacy, and emotional closeness.
Sexual relations within marriage are not only lawful but encouraged, as long as they are conducted within the ethical boundaries set by Islam. Allah (SWT) says: “Your wives are a place of sowing of seed for you, so come to your place of cultivation, however, you wish and put forth [righteousness] for yourselves. And fear Allah and know that you will meet Him. And give good tidings to the believers” (Qur’an 2:223).
This verse highlights the lawful and permissible nature of sexual intimacy between married couples. It also emphasises that sexual relationships should be a means of fostering mutual satisfaction, love, and moral growth.
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) instructed Muslims to maintain modesty and respect in their intimate relations, stressing the importance of mutual pleasure between spouses.
Regarding sexual intimacy, it is also prohibited for a wife to demand money or gifts before allowing her husband to engage in sexual relations. Islam views this as a form of exploitation and sin. A marital relationship must be based on mutual love, respect, and affection rather than material gain.
Prohibition of Sexual Intercourse during Menstruation
Islam has clear guidelines regarding sexual relations during certain times, particularly when a woman is menstruating. The Qur’an prohibits sexual intercourse during menstruation, stating:
By Imam Alhaji Saeed Abdulai, 1BN – Michel Camp