Be filled by the Spirit. —Ephesians 5:18
What does it mean to be filled with the Holy Spirit? This question will always generate discussion and debate. However, on one point we can agree—that believers, both individually and collectively, are to be filled with the Spirit of God.
Ephesians 5:18 explicitly commands us to “be filled by the Spirit” and describes what that looks like—the visible evidence of this invisible reality. We see that the Spirit-filled life has practical ramifications in every sphere of life. The one evidence that’s no less important than all the others is found two verses later: “giving thanks always for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (v. 20). Being thankful is prime evidence of being filled with the Spirit!
We cannot whine and complain and be filled with the Spirit at the same time. When a thankful spirit resides in our hearts and expresses itself on our lips, it’s evidence that the Holy Spirit lives in us, that we’re yielding to His control, and that He’s producing His gracious fruit in and through our lives.
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Choosing Gratitude: Your Journey to Joy ©2009 Revived Hearts Foundation
Scripture taken from The CSB
Make it Personal
Is there evidence of the Holy Spirit in your life? If not, what needs to change? Start by taking time to give thanks to God!