In a study of the Monarch butterfly, we learn about the stages in development making it unique. Unlike other types of butterflies, it goes through an extended cocoon stage and sheds its skin up to five times before emerging as a beautiful butterfly.
For a Christian, too, when the Holy Spirit enters her heart, gradual, life-changing experiences occur. In Titus 3 Paul states: “at one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived, and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures…malice and envy, being hated and hating one another.” But then, we learned about the bountiful love Jesus Christ, our Saviour, had for us. He generously saved us through the washing, rebirth, and renewal of the Holy Spirit.
With the working of the Spirit subtle changes occur in our hearts. Gradually we begin to more fully “put on Christ” and show the newness of life Paul talks about in Romans 6 and Galatians 6. In fact, in Galatians 5:22 he tells us in detail about the nine fruit of the spirit—namely, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control, which enable us to “be able to discern what is best…filled with the fruits of righteousness, that come through Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:10-11).
Even though we strive to live Spirit-filled lives, there will always be trials we may need to face. These, for Christians, come along to strengthen our faith and enable us to give words of comfort to strengthen others in their own trials and thereby indirectly aid them in purifying their faith.
Christian composer Karen Maio sums up the importance of being filled with the Holy Spirit these words from one of her songs:
“Live by the Spirit and walk in His grace,
Go serve God and others with joy on your face.”
Used by permission
Adapted from an online devotion by Barb J, Ontario.
It and other monthly devotions may be found at lutheranwomen.ca.
To share your own words of encouragement, send them to vpmemberdevelopment@lutheranwomen.ca.