Holy Spirit - Breath of GodSample

GIFTS AND LOVE

"God desires that you pursue: the full potential of your love. None of us loves others as we know we should or even as we want to love … It is the Holy Spirit who continually prompts us to find new ways of reaching out to others with genuine compassion and godly love.” — Charles Stanley

The New Testament lists of gifts are comprehensive but not exhaustive. In 1 Corinthians, the apostle Paul says the gifts are given to unite the church, not divide it. Later, Paul says, “If I speak in tongues or speak prophecy, or have faith, or give, but don’t have love, I am nothing!” Before we think about, discuss, or pray for spiritual gifts, we need to think about love. We need to check our heart and ask the Holy Spirit to deepen our love for Jesus, his church, and the world around us.

“Whoever loves already has the Holy Spirit, and by having him, he becomes worthy of having even more of him. And the more he has the Spirit, the more he loves.”— Augustine

LOVE EXERCISE

• PRAY: Before you leave for work, church, study, or other duties, invite the Holy Spirit to grow your love for people. Ask, and you shall receive.
• LOOK: As you go about your day, look for opportunities to take an interest in others and love them. Ask the Holy Spirit for guidance on who to love and how.
• FIND A NEED: When talking to someone, discern if there’s a need they have that the Holy Spirit can fulfill. Do they need healing, encouragement, a word from God, a miracle, service, finances, wisdom, mercy, leadership, faith, the gospel, help, or pastoral advice?
• ACT IN FAITH: Ask the Spirit for help, and inquire if the Spirit wants you to assist. If so, step out in faith and try. If you don’t have the resources or gifting they need, ask the Spirit to send the right person with the right gifting or resources.