Knowing the Spirit's Presence

Scripture: By this we know that we abide in Him, and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit. And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son as Savior of the world. Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. 1 John 4:13-15

Observation: More than once, John provides the test to determine if someone is obedient to God, and the test is simply this ... if that person believes in Jesus. If we believe Jesus came in the flesh, died for our sins, was resurrected as Lord, and is the Son of God, then God abides in that person. God's spirit is within whomever can confidently state their belief in Jesus, and it is then expected that such a person will act out of that spirit toward others.

Application: This issue comes up often within my own heart and mind, and within the minds of those around me. It is an issue that concerns many believers, especially new believers. The issue manifests as questions about their goodness, about their love for others, about understanding the bible, and concerning hearing the voice of God.

The issue is this ... whether or not the Spirit truly abides within us ... within me.

I know the Holy Spirit lives in me!! I can state this knowledge based on experience - like the warmth and revelation I just now received - and I can state this knowledge based on past behaviors and words and assistance and grace. However, John gives me an even simpler method for testing myself, and it is this: I believe in Jesus as the Christ, the Messiah, the risen Son of God, who is the savior of the world.

This is an easy test and lesson I can now use to both understand my faith and my love for others, and to encourage others around me when they have doubts about the working of the Holy Spirit in their lives.

Prayer: Lord, as I am overwhelmed by your love this morning, all I can say is thank you. Jesus, you are my Lord and my savior, and I believe in you as the Son of God. May my daily thoughts and actions only show love toward others, as the overflow of the love you have for me. Amen, and amen.