A Hug to Heal a Lifetime of Wounds
The Holy Spirit dwelling inside a believer carries unimaginable power and compassion. Sometimes, as we walk through our day, we cross paths with someone who is completely at the end of themselves—someone who doesn't know Jesus, or who desperately needs to be reminded that they are deeply loved by their Creator.
When we are prompted by the Spirit to step into their world and offer a twenty-second embrace, something miraculous happens. Just as science demonstrates, heart rates synchronize by divine design. We were handcrafted to experience authentic fellowship with one another.
When you hold that embrace, speak the name of Jesus from a place of deep, unshakeable conviction. Listen to their story, validate their pain, and gently walk them through inviting Him into their hearts.
After a twenty-second hug, the frantic panic of the world quiets down. Their nervous system calms, and they are placed in a posture where they are ready to receive the Holy Spirit.
You may walk away and never see that person again on this earth. But in that brief moment, you have handed them a priceless gift—a gift that was entirely free to us, yet cost Jesus everything.
When we lead someone in that divine invitation, we open an uncloseable door to Jesus, and through Him to the Father, giving the Holy Spirit full access to perform His life-changing work. This is one of the highest callings we have, and perhaps the ultimate reason to rejoice.
Pay close attention to the promptings of the Holy Spirit today. Salvation costs the unbeliever nothing, yet they gain everything. After all, Jesus plus nothing equals everything.
Listening for the Prompt: Are you sensitive to the Holy Spirit's nudges as you move through your day, or are you too hurried to notice the person at the end of themselves?
Holding Space: When someone shares their pain, do you rush to fix it, or do you listen, validate, and gently point them to Jesus?
The Uncloseable Door: Who has God placed in your path that you could invite to receive the free gift that cost Jesus everything?
"Father, thank you for the absolute Truth of your Word and for the power and compassion of your Holy Spirit living in me. Open my eyes to the hurting people you place in my path today. Give me the courage to step into their world, to listen, to embrace, and to speak the name of Jesus with conviction. Use me to open an uncloseable door for someone to know you. Thank you that Jesus plus nothing equals everything. In Jesus' name, amen."