The Holy Spirit: God Through UsSample

After Pentecost, everything changed for Jesus’ followers. The Holy Spirit didn’t just give them power to preach. He gave them true, authentic community. Acts 2 tells us they were devoted to the apostles’ teaching, to prayer, and to one another. Suddenly, people from totally different backgrounds were sharing meals, praying together, helping out, and making sure no one was left behind.

But this new, Spirit-empowered community wasn’t just for the benefit of the believers. Unbelievers saw their friendship, their generosity, and their joy, and that made them want to belong, too. The Bible says God added to their number every day. Their unity and love for one another were their loudest invitation to know Jesus.

That’s true today too. Evangelism isn’t just about having the right words. When we live as a Spirit-filled family, caring, serving, and putting others first, the world sees something real. That type of community is only fully possible through the Holy Spirit. This “witness” is especially powerful when we show God’s love to each other, even when life is hard or when people hurt us. That’s when the Holy Spirit keeps giving us strength to endure and a love that lasts.

What would happen in your church or group if you let the Holy Spirit shape how you live together? Could your everyday kindness, unity, and love cause someone to want to know Jesus, too?

Reflection and Prayer

Think about one way you could show extra care or love to someone in your church or small group this week. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you serve, welcome, or bring people together, even when it’s hard. Pray that your community would draw others to Jesus by the way you live together.

Holy Spirit, help me show real love and unity in my community. Fill us with your Spirit so our kindness draws others toward you. Make us a family that reflects Jesus every day. Amen.