Really cool evening at BCUC CU tonight talking with the young adults about the Holy Spirit. We tlked about the Fruits of the Holy Spirit which we can all have in our lives (Galatians 5.22-23) and the GIFTS of the spirit which are given to some and not to others (1 Corinthians 12.1-11). It was excellent to hear their experiences of the Holy Spirit described in so many different ways and the honesty from some to admit they hadn't felt it consciously. I think we can sometimes think the Holy Spirit gives all GIFTS to all and I know Paul's letter to the Corinthians has always reassured me that it is not to ALL that the gift of speaking in tongues, faith, giving sound advice, healing etc. In fact it's because these gifts aren't given to everyone that makes them so special but as Paul points out it doesn't make the person with the gift special - it's the spirit working through them not they themselves:
"All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines."
1 comment:
isn't it 'fruit of the spirit', no plural?
sounds like an interesting evening
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