How can we encourage others to be receptive to the Holy Spirit's work? The Root Issue: Resisting the Spirit • Acts 7:51: “You stiff-necked people with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You always resist the Holy Spirit, just as your fathers did.” • Resistance is a heart problem—“uncircumcised hearts and ears.” Before we can encourage others, we must recognize that only God can replace a hard heart (Ezekiel 36:26). Cultivating Soft Hearts • Invite honest reflection: “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts” (Hebrews 3:7-8). • Share testimonies of how yielding to the Spirit brought freedom (2 Corinthians 3:17). Personal stories soften defenses. • Highlight God’s kindness: “Do you disregard the riches of His kindness… not realizing that God’s kindness leads you to repentance?” (Romans 2:4). Mercy melts resistance. Modeling Submission to the Spirit Ourselves • Let them see the fruit: “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace…” (Galatians 5:22-23). Visible change in us stirs holy curiosity in them. • Refuse bitterness or quarrels (Ephesians 4:31-32). A gentle demeanor showcases Spirit-led living. Speaking Truth in Love • Balance boldness and tenderness. Stephen used strong words, yet his face “was like that of an angel” (Acts 6:15). • Keep Scripture central: “The word of God is living and active” (Hebrews 4:12). Let the Spirit wield His own sword. Pointing to Christ, Not Ourselves • The Spirit’s mission is to exalt Jesus (John 16:14). Exalt Him when you counsel, celebrate, or correct. • Emphasize the cross: “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). Humility before the cross invites others to bow as well. Interceding Strategically • Though we cannot force openness, we can pray that God “may give them a spirit of wisdom and revelation” (Ephesians 1:17). • Ask specifically for conviction of sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16:8). The Spirit answers these aligned prayers. Creating Space for the Spirit to Move • Encourage moments of quiet after sharing Scripture. Silence allows conviction to settle. • Offer opportunities for response—worship, confession, serving—so they act on what they’ve heard (James 1:22). Expecting Transformation • God delights to pour out His Spirit on “all flesh” (Acts 2:17). Anticipate changed lives. • Celebrate every sign of softness—a question asked, a confession made. Affirm maturation the moment it appears (Philippians 1:6). When we combine a tender heart, Spirit-filled conduct, truthful speech, fervent intercession, and patient expectation, we create an atmosphere where others can stop resisting and welcome the Holy Spirit’s gracious work. |
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