On the last and greatest day of the Feast [of Tabernacles], Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “If anyone is thirsty, let him or her come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him or her.” By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified (John 7:37-39 NIV).
Previously I wrote about the offer by Jesus for anyone who is spiritually thirsty, as recorded in Revelation. Now I tell that even before that, when ministering in this fallen world Jesus offered to fulfill anyone’s spiritual thirst.
John explains that this “living water” is the Holy Spirit. Indeed, for any person who believes in Jesus, she or he is forgiven of sins, and then she or he is baptized with the Holy Spirit. The result is spiritual quenching.
And wild enough, accepting Jesus’ offer will result in that person overflowing with the love of Jesus to others. The Holy Spirit is the third Person of our triune God. Thus the nature of the Holy Spirit is true love, since we have the revelation from I John 4:16 that “God is love.” Thus for anyone who has believed in Jesus, and who relies on Him to be loving, he or she will overflow with true love.
One point I make now about overflowing with love: All people are unique, and each of us have different manners for expressing love. I am a hugger. I value opportunities to hug friends, or even nice people whom I play a game of golf with. Hugging is an action I like to carry out to express the true love of the Spirit of Christ who overflows in me. (I add that in this day and age, it is often best to ask permission to give a person a hug.)
Overflowing with love is not an emotional state. (Granted when I express love I can get emotional.) Overflowing with love is a state of living with genuine love in your heart, and acting accordingly. And when that true love is expressed, in an appropriate manner, and in a manner which fits you, you will bless other people.
What is one action you like to carry out to express the love of Christ?
Hunter
Scripture Love Blog
