Scripture: Romans 5:5, NIV
“…And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” (Romans 5:5, NIV)
It is only through God’s power that we can love others in the way he desires. This is confirmed by this verse:
“…For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” (2 Timothy 1:7, ESV)
The kind of love, power, and self-control we need to overcome the weaknesses of the flesh and the lures of the world must come from a power greater than ourselves. It is through the Spirit we are able to put the death the misdeeds of the flesh. It is through the Spirit that God works in us to do the things he wants us to do. By his Spirit we exercise the self-control we need to discipline ourselves. We do not have that power in and of ourselves.
The same is true when it comes to love. Fortunately, God has poured his love into our heart by the Holy Spirit. Now we are able to see why we must cultivate having communion with the Holy Spirit:
“May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.” (2 Corinthians 13:14, NIV)
As we commune with the Holy Spirit, he can perfect the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ in us, and he can empower the love of God to flow through us to touch the lives of others. In this way we can be good advertisements for the kingdom of God.
I remember the great ad for razor blades that indicated we could “look sharp, feel sharp, and be sharp” if we used their brand of razor blades. How wonderful it would be if we could always look sharp, feel sharp, and be sharp as representatives of the King.
We have a shot at that possibility when we will walk under the control of the Holy Spirit, reflecting the love of Jesus Christ for others.
Today, ask yourself:
Am I a razor sharp advertisement for the kingdom?
How has this website helped you?