But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. - James 3:17
When we think of having the Holy Spirit of God we think sometimes immediately of power, spiritual gifts and great manifestations. Yet we do get quite a different perspective when we look at the actual character of Christ. We are called not to just have power to do great things Jesus did. But to also walk as Jesus walked (1 John 2:5). The Holy Spirit is the character of Christ living in us. This means: Love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). Also as we see in the verse above: Purity, Peacemaking, considerate, submissive, merciful, impartial and sincere. Think of all the situations Jesus was in yet did not sin and was able to be God to the people. Consider his patience with fumbling disciples, jeering crowds, accusing religious leaders and miracle seeking masses. The way of Christ is not just in great displays of power in your life but a constant sense of His Spirit in all situations, guiding and helping you.
We are encouraged to show that we are following the Lord by our "good life, by deeds done in the humility" (James 3:13). When good deeds are done in lowliness of mind they can diffuse the greatest argument and opposition. Such loving and giving of oneself results in Christ being given to the person without words. As the Church responds in love to hurting humanity it speaks the Good News to them as we treat them as Christ himself. When we cry out to God to be filled with the Spirit we are asking essentially for more mercy, more peacemaking, more submission in our lives, more sincerity with others. When we are full of the Holy Spirit we will be bearing good fruit towards others. This fruit is Christ offered to them. What a high-calling we have to represent our Master in such ways on this earth to those who are in darkness. Next time you ask to be filled with the Holy Spirit from above ask to be more considerate to others, have more mercy for others, be more impartial towards others. God will hear such prayers.
