Hospitable Hearts

Have you ever noticed that different homes have their own smells? Some have odd odors, and you don’t want to stay very long. Others have inviting scents, like the smell of delicious food cooking, and you enjoy being there.

There is a difference between being in a home and being at home.

The Bible tells us that the Holy Spirit lives in the heart of every Christian. Romans 8:9 says, “But you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you” (NLT).

When you become a Christian, the Holy Spirit seals and indwells you. But is the Holy Spirit at home in your heart? Is He comfortable in your life?

The Holy Spirit has a personality. Yes, He is God. And yes, we might even sin against Him specifically. The Bible tells us that it’s possible to insult the Holy Spirit, resist the Holy Spirit, and blaspheme the Holy Spirit.

We also can make the Holy Spirit sad. The apostle Paul wrote, “And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption” (Ephesians 4:30 NLT).

Have you ever done or said something that reduced another person to tears? It’s hard to look at someone who is crying because of what you said or did. In the same way, we can do things that grieve the Holy Spirit.

Paul went on to say, “Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior” (verse 31 NLT). These things make the Holy Spirit sorrowful.

So, how can you tell if you’re living a Spirit-controlled life? The Holy Spirit will be at home in your heart.

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