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LETTERS TO MY YOUNGER SISTER

Dear Naomi,

I hope you’re doing well. I’ve been thinking about you a lot lately and felt I needed to reach out. This letter comes from a place of deep concern and love for you. I want to share something important that’s been on my mind, especially as I see you getting involved with the Word-Faith movement and the prosperity gospel.

I get why these teachings are so appealing. I’ve been there too. The promises of health, wealth, and a trouble-free life sound amazing. The idea that Jesus didn’t just die for our spiritual salvation but also for our material prosperity seemed like such a great deal. Believing that if I just had enough faith, I could speak my desires into existence, was incredibly tempting. It felt powerful to think my words could shape my reality and that God wanted me to live abundantly in every way.

But Naomi, my journey through this movement led me to some tough realizations. The initial excitement of those promises faded. Instead, I found myself constantly questioning my faith and feeling guilty whenever I faced challenges. I wondered: Is my faith too weak? Am I doing enough to please God? The promised prosperity always seemed just out of reach, and the weight of unmet expectations grew heavier over time.

What I learned is that these teachings often involve a significant misinterpretation of the Bible. The Word-Faith movement emphasizes a version of faith that turns it into a tool we can use to get what we want, rather than trusting in God’s will and timing. It suggests that material success is a sign of God’s favor, which can lead to the harmful belief that those who struggle are somehow less faithful or less loved by God.

The true Gospel, however, teaches something different. Jesus never promised us a life free of troubles. In fact, He said, “In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). The promise of the Gospel isn’t about guaranteeing health and wealth, but about finding peace with God, forgiveness of sins, and eternal life with Him. It’s about knowing that God is with us in our struggles and that our ultimate hope isn’t in earthly prosperity but in the life to come.

I’m writing to help you avoid the pitfalls I fell into. In the days ahead I want to walk through some of the popular teachings I got caught up in and contrast them with what the Bible really says. I want so much for you to experience the true joy and peace that comes from understanding and embracing the real message of the Gospel. It’s a message that doesn’t depend on our ability to muster up faith to change our circumstances. 

It rests on God’s unchanging love and grace.

With all my love and prayers,

Shiru

Wanjiru Ng’ang’a, the author of this series, serves as a staff intern at Africa Centre for Apologetics Research Kenya and is the founder of the Christian blog “In Truth She Delights.” She is passionate about inspiring fellow young Christian women to study the Bible and discern false doctrine.

Sinothi Ncube


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