Love is the Result!
One of the most profound yet misunderstood aspects of the Christian life is what it truly means to be filled with the Holy Spirit. We often think of this experience as either mystical or elusive, reserved for a few spiritual elite. But the truth is, being filled with the Holy Spirit is both practical and essential, clearly marked by a progression that leads us deeper into love—first for God, and then for others. Nothing else matters and nothing will bring fulfilling joy without being filled with the Holy Spirit.
Step One: Surrender (Being with God)
The progression begins simply with surrender, regardless of whether we feel ready or not. To be filled with the Holy Spirit, we must genuinely yield ourselves fully to God. Jesus tells us plainly in Luke 11:13, "If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” It starts with a humble acknowledgment of our need for God, intentionally positioning ourselves daily in His presence.
Surrender involves recognizing that our own strength, wisdom, and resources are insufficient. Without this openness, we remain closed vessels—empty of the divine filling we deeply need.
Step Two: Obedience (Doing What God Commands)
After surrender, the Holy Spirit empowers us toward obedience. This next step is about actively responding to God’s instructions, choosing His ways over our patterns of sin, cycles of addiction, and self-destructive behaviors. It might begin subtly, perhaps prompting us to forgive someone who has wronged us, speak kindly in tense situations, or extend generosity beyond our comfort zone.
This consistent practice of obedience transforms our character, aligning our actions and thoughts with God’s will. Galatians 5:22-23 describes the clear evidence of this Spirit-led obedience as the Fruit of the Spirit: "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.” These virtues become increasingly evident as we yield to God’s commands daily.
Step Three: Real Love and Intimacy with God and Others
As we consistently surrender and obey, the natural outcome is a profound and deep intimacy with God and genuine love for others. This is the heart of the Spirit-filled life. Romans 5:5 beautifully captures this result: “God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit.”
When intimacy with God deepens, it naturally overflows into our relationships. Jesus emphasized this when He summarized the greatest commandments:
“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind… and a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:37-39)
Loving others becomes an authentic and joyful expression of our love for God, deeply rooted in our experience of serving them and following God's commands.
Practical Signs of Being Spirit-Filled
Increased patience: Responding with kindness in frustrating situations.
Generosity: Joyfully giving your time, energy, and resources.
Forgiveness: Easily releasing grudges as the Spirit softens your heart.
Selflessness: Putting others' needs ahead of your own, reflecting Christ’s love.
A Daily Filling
Being filled with the Spirit is not a one-time event but an ongoing need. Ephesians 5:18 reminds us to continually "be filled with the Spirit.” Daily practices such as prayer, scripture meditation, active obedience, and serving others keep us continually refreshed, renewed, and refueled by the Holy Spirit.
The progression of being filled with the Holy Spirit—surrender, obedience, and resulting love—is both practical and transformative. It requires daily intentionality, humility, and consistency. Ultimately, a life filled with the Holy Spirit is unmistakably marked by deep intimacy with God and genuine, sacrificial love for others.
May you experience this beautiful progression personally, finding joy in daily surrender, strength in obedience, and profound love in your relationships with God and others.
