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DESIRE, RECEIVE AND USE

  • Writer: Olufunmilayo Adekusibe
    Olufunmilayo Adekusibe
  • Aug 19, 2024
  • 3 min read

Today’s Readings:

Acts 25:13-21

Psalm 103:1-2,11-12,19-20

John 21:15-19

The Holy Spirit comes into us with graces to abide in us. Grace means help which God give to us over and above our natural endowments to enable us to will and to accomplish actions that may merit eternal salvation. To receive these spiritual gifts from the Holy Spirit, we must first be baptised (are you baptised?). Baptism sanctifies and renews our soul.


Provided that we believe and are sorry for our sins, the Holy Spirit does the following in the soul of the baptised:

  • Eradicates sins (original and personal).

  • Imprints an indelible mark on the soul of the baptised—a seal of redemption.

  • The Holy Spirit remains with you for all time (John 14:16).

  • The Spirit teaches and reminds us of all that Jesus says in the Scriptures (John 14:26).

  • He helps us to preserve the deposit of faith entrusted to the Church (2 Timothy 1:14).

  • He bestows the extraordinary gifts of grace which we need to serve others (1 Cor 12:11).

  • He moulds us into a dwelling of God (Ephesians 2:22).

  • He affects forgiveness of sin (John 20:22).

  • He pours love into our hearts (Romans 5:5).


The gifts of the Holy Spirit are supernatural and infused habits communicated to our souls to render us prompt and docile to divine inspirations. The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit are wisdom, understanding, knowledge, counsel, fortitude, piety and fear of the Lord. The first four perfect the intellect while the last three perfect the will. These gifts enable us to perform holy acts worthy of eternal life. The Holy Spirit lives in us to help us achieve God’s purpose—to know, love and serve Him, to be with Him forever in heaven. Dietrich Bonhoeffer — “Your life as a Christian should make non-believers question their disbelief in God.”


Why do we sometimes feel powerless even after receiving the gifts through baptism and the other sacraments? We still need the help of God to make good use of our gifts. God has to be with us to will and to accomplish his designs. We can make all our plans, but God has the final say (Proverbs 16:1).       We need divine inspiration to create a habit in our souls. This inspiration is known as “actual grace”. Actual grace stirs up the will to make use of the gifts. Ignorance of this is why someone may have gifts, yet there is not much fruit. May actual grace be given to you today so that you can realise your God-given potential.


Do what lies in your power each day to serve God and let the Holy Spirit do His part. We show our love for God by using our gifts in the service of love (1 Peter 4:10; Romans 12:6-8). Support the exercise of your gifts with prayer, fasting, frequenting the sacraments and charity.

JUDE-MARY OWOH



To surrender your life to Christ, say this prayer aloud. “Father, I acknowledge my sin against You. I repent and ask for forgiveness, in the name of Jesus. I surrender to the Lordship of Jesus. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, take control of my heart and lead me in Your path of righteousness. Thank you, Lord.”

If you said the prayer, Congratulations! Prayerfully look for a living church and report to the resident reverend, pastor or priest.



Prayer:

  1. Holy Spirit of God activate your gifts in me.

  2. Dispose me to desire you daily and use your gifts for the salvation of everyone I meet.

  3. May the fruits of these gifts make me humble and submissive to your will and inspiration. Amen.

  4. For God is at work in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. (Philippians 2:13)

  5. Holy Spirit, I surrender to Your holy will. Let Your will and inspiration prevail in life.

  6. May all I say and do today and always give glory to You. Amen

 
 
 

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