“did you receive the holy spirit?” (acts 19:2)
“You can recognize Him (the Spirit of truth).” —John 14:17
At the time of the Apostles, it’s likely that the evidence that someone had received the Holy Spirit was praying audibly in tongues and uttering prophecy (see Acts 19:6). Although the charismatic gifts of the Spirit are readily visible to others, they are not the only indicators as to whether a person has received the Holy Spirit.
How can others recognize whether or not you have received the Holy Spirit? “You can recognize Him because He remains with you and will be within you” (Jn 14:17). How can you recognize whether you received the Holy Spirit? The Holy Spirit is unseen, but the fruit of the Spirit can be seen (Gal 5:22). Thus Jesus tells us to look for good fruit to discern whether or not someone has received the Spirit (Mt 7:16-20). Some examples are:
- You keep Jesus’ commandments (Jn 14:15ff).
- You live in the truth, by the Spirit of truth (Jn 14:17).
- You persevere over time amid trials (see Rv 2:3).
- You love those who persecute you (Mt 5:44).
- Your life bears lasting, enduring fruit (Jn 15:5, 16).
- You witness to Jesus, for that’s what the Spirit does (Jn 5:16).
- You live a life of holiness, for the Spirit is holy (see 1 Pt 1:15-16).
You received the Spirit in the Sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation, but are you living by the Spirit? (see Gal 5:25) “Did you receive the Holy Spirit?” (Acts 19:2)
Prayer: Father, I beg You to fill me with the Holy Spirit (Lk 11:13).
Promise: “He who loves Me will be loved by My Father. I too will love him and reveal Myself to him.” —Jn 14:21
Praise: “Glory be to this only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Majesty, too, be His, might and power from ages past, now and for ages to come. Amen” (Jude 25).
Reference: (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
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