The Holy Spirit and Love

Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
Romans 5:5

Focus on Christ

Have you ever been disappointed because you hoped for something that did not happen? Maybe you shared with others that you knew something good was coming your way or that a decision you made was going to pay off financially. If your hope did not materialize, then you felt shame because you boasted about your expected outcome.

Paul shared in this Scripture that God’s hope does not disappoint. If you hope in Christ, then He will fulfill what He has promised every time! Psalm 22:4 states, “Our fathers trusted in You; they trusted, and You delivered them.” God’s Hope is fulfilled in the heart of believers by the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit pours out into our hearts the Love of God. When you pour a liquid out, it flows everywhere except where there is a restriction. Only resistance to the Presence of the Holy Spirit will keep you from experiencing the deep Love of God. If you want to experience the Love of God that is eternal, freeing, and fulfilling, then walk in the Presence of the Holy Spirit. His Power produces a Love that nothing can overcome.

Many believers miss out on the benefits of the Love of God. They avoid an abiding relationship with Christ by failing to spend time in the Word; and, therefore, do not apply the Truth to their practical life. But when the Love of God is poured out into a receiving heart, the sky looks bluer; relationships are deeper; joy is abundant; and hope is fulfilled. If you want a deep relationship with God, then receive His Love and experience His perspective for the world around you. This will enable you to endure any afflictions or persecutions.

How will you experience this? By the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. All wonderful, godly character and fruit comes from the influence of the Spirit. Paul states in 1 Corinthians 3:16, “Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?” If He dwells in you, then all of God’s Love is available to you. 

Focus on Self

Self will never experience God’s Love, only selfishness. If you want to miss out on what the Love of God can do in your mind, heart, and spirit, then focus on the earthly possessions and power that pleases you. When Christ is exalted, self is denied. It is then that the Holy Spirit will pour out the Love of God in your life. Then you will begin to experience the deep things of God.

 

*Taken from Gifts from God by Kerry Skinner and Alison Veazey. Click here to order your copy!