“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses” (Acts 1:8 NIV).
Are you disappointed in yourself or a relationship? Many of us struggle to understand the connection between the Holy Spirit and relationships.
A man recently said that his wife felt alone, and he didn’t know how to help her. Emotions and transparency weren’t valued in the home where he grew up.
Do you have tendencies that negatively affect you and your relationships? Help may be closer than you think. Jesus has given believers a gift that can be a game changer—the Holy Spirit.
Jesus taught the disciples, through both words and example, how to live well and enjoy good relationships. Yet this wasn’t enough. They needed the Holy Spirit.
If we want to represent God in our relationships and rise above our natural weaknesses, we need to be filled with the Holy Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23). True Christians receive the Holy Spirit at their spiritual birth. However, many of us don’t live consistently filled or controlled by Him (Rom. 8:11; Eph. 5:18).
How can I be filled by the Holy Spirit?
- Submit to Him
When as a prodigal, I came back to my Heavenly Father, I wanted to follow Him and His ways. Soon after, some Spirit-filled Christians at Arizona State invited me to join them in initiating spiritual conversations with other students. This went against my natural shyness.
But I asked God to fill me with His Spirit, and I went. I talked to strangers—and some came to know Christ. My shyness didn’t disappear, but I experienced courage and outcomes that were beyond my natural ability. I experienced the Holy Spirit.
- Ask Him to fill me—and believe He will. I John 5:14-15; Eph. 5:18; Gal. 5:16
Asking for help and receiving help have been hard for me. One of the first hurts I inflicted on Debbie was not opening the wedding gift she gave me. I felt unworthy. However, it’s not about being worthy, but about being loved. Debbie deeply loved me and wanted me to enjoy her gift. My Heavenly Father deeply loves me and wants me to enjoy the gift of His Holy Spirit.
Some relationship tools and new ways of thinking can help us improve ourselves and our relationships. Yet only the Holy Spirit supplies both the power and the desire to change. If we can help you with this or any other personal or relational area, please contact us. You are important to God and to us.
Update
- Debbie’s new book, Big Hurt, Bigger God: Finding Freedom Through Biblical Forgiveness, releases June 9. Perfect for book clubs, small groups, and individuals. Preorder your copy today.
- We’re thrilled to announce that our daughter Ginny will be marrying Dr. Steve Saleeby this June.
- Please pray for broken families and individuals who need change and healing to encounter Jesus.
Blessings,
Sometimes I link to these great sites:
#MondayLinkUp #InstaEncouragements, #Let’sHaveCoffee, #SweetTea&Friends
Over the years I have come to know and value my relationship with Holy Spirit in a deeper way and it has been wonderful.
Congratulations on your daughter’s upcoming wedding!!
Learning to walk with Him makes all the difference. Thanks, Ann. We’re excited.
How grateful I am for that constant, steady, loving presence of the Spirit. Where would we be without our Triune God.
Debbie, thank you for this inspirational piece.
I so agree. Thanks, Linda.
I didn’t hear much about the Holy Spirit in my early Christian life. How we need to understand Him and His ministry to us.
He makes all the difference!
Thank you for this as only with the Lord’s help and guidance will we be able to better navigate relationships. Blessings!
I appreciated how this article talks about healing and growth in relationships, it feels thoughtful and comforting to read. https://two4avalon.com/blog