Thursday, March 19, 2026

Scripture

“If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will give life to your mortal bodies also through his Spirit that dwells in you.” Romans 8:11

Reflections

Does the Spirit dwell in you?

For starters, the Apostle Paul is not addressing this to just one person.  It’s addressed to a community of faith.  It’s not just about the Spirit dwelling in in you (singular) but “y’all” (plural).  This is where the Spirit is manifested—within community.  The fruits of the Spirit are clearly seen in relationships with other people; “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” (Gal. 5:22-23)  It is encountered in those who follow the way of Jesus, those who love their enemies and pray for those who persecute them.  If the Spirit dwells in y’all, it will be noticeable.

We can also see the Spirit present in faith.  Faith is a gift of the Holy Spirit.  The Spirit dwells in those who trust in Jesus.  This is not always easy.  It requires dying daily to our own self-serving interests, the ways of the flesh, in order that Christ might live in us.  As the Apostle Paul said in Gal. 2:19-20, “I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me.”

And when the Spirit dwells in us, we have the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead.  This is our eternal hope and promise.

Prayer

Lord God, thank you for your Spirit breathing life into me, both now and in the future.  Strengthen my faith that I might die to the flesh and live for you this day.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Full Reading: Romans 8:6-11