1 John 4:13 In this we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he has given to us from his Spirit.
Ἐν τούτῳ γινώσκομεν ὅτι ἐν αὐτῷ μένομεν καὶ αὐτὸς ἐν ἡμῖν, ὅτι ἐκ τοῦ πνεύματος αὐτοῦ δέδωκεν ἡμῖν.
The Apostle John links here love to the Holy Spirit. This is a strong theme in the writings of Paul the Apostle (see Galatians 5:22). The Holy Spirit is God’s presence in us. We open ourselves to the presence of God by listening in faith and acting in obedience. The Spirit will plant within us the seed of love. The Spirit will confirm to our conscience an awareness that there is no blockage between us and God. Our hearts are clear and we become open channels of God’s love. We can create blockages that cause a stroke in our relationships with others.
If we want to know and experience God’s purposes for us in love, we must be filled with the Holy Spirit. This comes only by faith and the confirmation of obedience. The Spirit cannot fill us if we allow sin to fill us. The answer is simply saying “yes” to the Spirit. The “yes” requires trust in God’s promises and commands. This is not a “works-based” salvation but the response of the consecrated life, the life totally given to God.
People wonder why they struggle against the darkness of the world and their own souls. We all struggle against the darkness, but those who have given themselves to God will find victory. This victory is expressed as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
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