And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. Romans‬ ‭5:5‬

The baptism of the Holy Spirit or in other words, the anointing of the Holy Spirit is — God’s Love being poured forth into our hearts by the Spirit of God Himself. Jesus made an open call to the people gathered on the last day of the feast saying, He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. John‬ ‭7:38‬. This He said referring to receiving the anointing of the Holy Spirit.

Well then..!! What happens when God’s love flows in us:

1. Love EDIFIES — Anything we do, one thing we need to always make sure is that we don’t offend a brother/sister through our deeds and words. For example, St.Paul explains to the Corinthian church that they should not eat food offered to idols. Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth. 1 Corinthians‬ ‭8:1‬.

Now, for an old believer this particular knowledge/revelation could bring about spiritual pride and make him arrogant before a weak brother, which is sinful. However, one thing that can be done here is to take aside the new believer and explain to him in love about why we shouldn’t have food offered before idols. Because in the end, Christ died for this weak brother as well and he shouldn’t be offended.

2. Love helps us WORK BY FAITH — In fact, faith comes from Love. It is one of the fruit of the Spirit as well. For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love. Galatians‬ ‭5:6‬. For example, when it came about offering Isaac as a sacrifice, Abraham knew that the God whom he loved and revered would definitely open a way for him.

Unflinchingly, Abraham went ahead in obedience to God’s command. Yes, it was a test of Faith for Abraham and God did prove Himself to be Jehovah-Jireh. Genesis 22:14.

3. Love helps us SERVE one another — Only Love can help us serve another. Jesus loved us; therefore He took upon Himself the form of a servant and was made in the likeness of men. Philippians 2:7. He came down to serve us.

Another beautiful example of serving one another out of love was found among the apostles and believers during the 1st Century A.D. After the day of Pentecost we see a great unity of Love and togetherness among the 120. They served each other out of love; were ready to share their things and space with each other and those in need. And all that believed were together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. Acts‬ ‭2:44-45‬.

(.. to be continued)