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What does it mean to be a Spirit-filled person? It's more than just believing in the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Being Spirit-filled encompasses how we respond to God's Spirit, how we treat each other, and how we live in obedience to Him.

The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity who lives within every born-again believer. The things we'll discuss are impossible to do without the Spirit working in our lives. Paul sets the table for us in 1 Thessalonians, showing the environment and attitude in which the Holy Spirit can speak to us, change us, and move us—even during difficult circumstances.

How Do We Treat Each Other as Spirit-Filled People?

Paul instructs us to "see that no one pays another with evil for evil, but always seek after that which is good for one another and for all people" (1 Thessalonians 5:15). This means treating each other with kindness, respect, and love—regardless of who they are or their station in life.

God loves each person so much that He gave His Son for them. Therefore, we should treat everyone as our equal—with love, respect, and honor. When we treat people the way we want to be treated, like-minded people gather around us.

Serving Others Unselfishly

Galatians 5:13-15 (Amplified) tells us: "Through love, serve and seek the best for one another... You shall love your neighbor as yourself... you shall have an unselfish concern for others and do things for their benefit."

We all need people in our lives who are for us because of us—not for what they can get out of us. These people encourage us to move forward in God's plan for our lives.

When Someone Is Caught in Sin

What if you know someone involved in something wrong? Galatians 6:1-2 provides guidance:

"Brothers, if anyone is caught in a sin, you who are responsive to the guidance of the Spirit should restore such a person in a spirit of gentleness, keeping a watchful eye on yourself so that you are not tempted as well."

When correcting others, our attitude matters. If we approach them feeling superior, they won't receive it. But if we're moved by the Spirit with their interests above our own, we can restore them gently.

We should never say, "I'll never do that." Instead, say, "By the grace of God, I pray I never do that." Any of us could end up in the ditch, needing someone to help pull us out.

What Is God's Will for Spirit-Filled People?

Many Christians wonder, "What is God's will for my life?" Paul gives us a clear answer in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18:

"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

These spiritual attitudes create an environment where we can be sensitive to God's Spirit, even amid difficult circumstances. Without these attitudes, we'll become angry, bitter, and caustic.

Remember: We can't do these things on our own. They're the product of a Spirit-filled life—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, meekness, and self-control. As Philippians 2:13 says, "God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him."

Rejoice Always

Paul learned that his circumstances didn't dictate his joy; his joy dictated his circumstances. Circumstances change, but God never changes. We rejoice in an unchanging God, even when we can't see the future.

The Thessalonians "received the message with joy from the Holy Spirit in spite of the severe suffering it brought." Jesus himself, "because of the joy set before him, endured the cross" (Hebrews 12:2).

Pray Without Ceasing

Prayer isn't just a process for receiving things; it's a presence to enjoy. God's presence brings peace, perspective, and power. Since God lives inside believers, we can pray continuously.

When your boss says, "I need to talk to you," or your spouse says, "We need to talk," that's the perfect time to pray! God is always with you, always working, so you should always be praying.

In Everything Give Thanks

We can't always give thanks FOR everything, but we can give thanks IN everything. Thanksgiving is an act of faith. Bad things happen to good people who love Jesus—horrible things happened to Jesus himself. But we take an eternal perspective and give thanks to God.

Psalm 22:3 says God "inhabits the praises" of His people. To inhabit means to dwell, to sit down, to be at home. When we worship, God settles down on us. He makes His throne where He's being praised, thanked, and trusted.

Paul's Example in Prison

In Philippi, Paul and Silas were beaten with rods and thrown into prison with their feet fastened in stocks. What did they do? They rejoiced in their circumstances, gave thanks, and prayed.

"About midnight, Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns of praise to God, and the prisoners were listening to them" (Acts 16:25).

They put themselves in an environment where God could work. Suddenly, an earthquake shook the prison, the doors opened, and everyone's chains fell off. When the jailer was about to kill himself, thinking the prisoners had escaped, Paul stopped him—and the jailer and his household were saved.

You may be going through difficult times so God can demonstrate His power in your life, so someone who doesn't know Jesus can see Him in you when they least expect it.

Life Application

Why do you go through what you go through? For God to demonstrate His power, presence, and plan in your life. But if you're not rejoicing, worshiping, giving thanks, and consistently praying, you've removed yourself from the environment in which the Holy Spirit works.

This week, I challenge you to:

Practice rejoicing in your circumstances, not because of them but because God is greater than them.

Pray continuously throughout your day, especially in challenging moments.

Give thanks in everything, recognizing God's sovereignty and eternal perspective.

Look for opportunities to restore others gently when they stumble.

 

Ask yourself:

Am I creating an environment where the Holy Spirit can work in my life?

How can I better bear others' burdens this week?

In what difficult circumstance do I need to start rejoicing and giving thanks?

Who needs me to come alongside them with gentleness and patience?

 

Remember, you are where you are so God can demonstrate His power through your life. Don't gripe or complain—trust the Lord. His power will be enthroned on those who praise Him, whatever you're going through.