Pocket Sized Thoughts – 1 John – Part 16

And this is how we know that He lives in us; it is by the Spirit which He has given to us.” (3:24)

In their lack of knowledge and wisdom, men seek for a proof that they have the Holy Spirit and belong to God. Is this proof speaking in tongues, performing a miracle, praying a majestic prayer, or making some great declaration? Firstly, the Holy Spirit is not a ‘thing’ we own; He is the third person of the Godhead and has been graciously given as a most wonderful and precious gift. So, how can we know that we have the Spirit of God living within us? According to John, we know we have the Spirit, by the Spirit. In other words, the Spirit bears witness with our spirit that we are the children of God (Romans 8:16). The Holy Spirit Himself gives us an inner knowing that He is in us and that we belong to Him as His children, knowing God as Father (Galatians 4:6). It is as when Elisabeth met Mary (who was pregnant with Christ) and something within her (the unborn John the Baptist in her case) leapt at the presence of Christ. Other signs can be manufactured, or copied, but this inner knowing which surpasses all other ‘knowings’ is the greatest proof we have that we are His and He is mine. My heart, therefore, rejoices at the sound of Your Name.

PRAYER :- “Lord, thank you for your Holy Spirit who leaves us in no doubt that we belong to You.”