The Power of the Spirit in You

One of the images for the Holy Spirit in the Bible is that of a flame. The Spirit melts cold hearts and sparks hope within us—a hope that can be contagious.

I recently heard a parable that makes the point:

Once upon a time, there was a piece of iron, strong and hard. Many tried to break it, but all failed.
“I’ll master it,” said the axe. But each heavy blow only dulled the axe’s edge until it gave up in frustration.
“Leave it to me,” said the saw. It worked back and forth, but soon its teeth were broken and worn.
“I’ll show you how to do it,” said the hammer. But at the first fierce strike, its head flew off.
Then, the small soft flame said, “Shall I try?”
Everyone laughed, “What can you do? You’re too small. You have no strength.”
But the flame wrapped itself gently around the iron and never left it…
Until, finally, the iron melted under its warm, irresistible influence.

Pastor James Moore reflected on this story and wrote:

“There’s a sermon there. Perhaps it means God’s way is not the way of force, but love. God doesn’t break hearts—He melts them. And perhaps that is our calling too—to melt hearts under the warmth of God’s gracious love.”

The truth is, we live in a world with tremendous need. Lonely and hurting people are all around us—in our neighborhoods, schools, workplaces. And there are so many opportunities for us to listen, to care, and to share Christ’s love.

In your own life, how might you show the irresistible warmth of God’s gracious love?

Let us pray:

Loving and gracious God, fill us again with your Holy Spirit. Melt our cold hearts and set us afire with hope— Hope that leads us to love boldly and make a difference in your name. Amen.