Verse[Epaphras is] the one who told us how thoroughly love had been worked into your lives by the Spirit.
— Colossians 1:8 msg
ThoughtEpaphras had told Paul about the Colossians growth in Jesus. One vital element of this growth was in their love for each other. Paul recognized that the Holy Spirit is what had inspired, empowered, and worked this love into the fabric of their daily lives. One of the reasons seeking the Spirit's presence in our lives is so important is that the Spirit empowers God's character to be formed in us. We sometimes call this the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23) as the Spirit works to form Christ in us (2 Cor. 3:18). So let's daily invite the Spirit into our lives to do his transformational work so that the influence of God's Holy Presence shows up in the way we treat each other.
PrayerFather in heaven, I yield my heart to be molded by the work of your Holy Presence, the Spirit. I want to be conformed to the character and compassion of Jesus; but to have this happen, I desperately need the holy fire of your Spirit to empower this transformation. Burn away what is false and selfish. Fuel in me a holy desire to be conformed to your holy character and gracious compassion. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
Devotional provided by Heartlight®
© 1996-2016. All rights reserved.
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— Colossians 1:8 msg
ThoughtEpaphras had told Paul about the Colossians growth in Jesus. One vital element of this growth was in their love for each other. Paul recognized that the Holy Spirit is what had inspired, empowered, and worked this love into the fabric of their daily lives. One of the reasons seeking the Spirit's presence in our lives is so important is that the Spirit empowers God's character to be formed in us. We sometimes call this the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23) as the Spirit works to form Christ in us (2 Cor. 3:18). So let's daily invite the Spirit into our lives to do his transformational work so that the influence of God's Holy Presence shows up in the way we treat each other.
PrayerFather in heaven, I yield my heart to be molded by the work of your Holy Presence, the Spirit. I want to be conformed to the character and compassion of Jesus; but to have this happen, I desperately need the holy fire of your Spirit to empower this transformation. Burn away what is false and selfish. Fuel in me a holy desire to be conformed to your holy character and gracious compassion. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
Devotional provided by Heartlight®
© 1996-2016. All rights reserved.
