Receiving a gift from someone is exciting—the anticipation of what might be under the brightly colored wrapping paper, the camaraderie built between the giver and the receiver of the gift and the joy of discovering something new are all part of the fun experience. God delights in us giving gifts because He is the greatest gift giver of all. One of the greatest gifts He has ever given mankind has been His Holy Spirit. He gave it to us out of a loving desire to see us grow, and we need to understand why this gift is so precious so that we can use it to its fullest potential.

One of my favorite scriptures, 2 Timothy 1:7, highlights why this gift is so amazing: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (emphasis added). Fear drags us down, it holds us back, and it makes us miserable, inactive and depressed. But God’s gift counteracts all of these things. Let’s look at the three components of God’s gift of the Holy Spirit.

The power of the Holy Spirit

Strong’s Concordance notes that the Greek word for “power” in this scripture means “ability, abundance, meaning, might, miracle, power, strength.” God’s power is proactive—giving direction and focus and the strength to carry out His will. With it, He changes our lives: “Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for me?” (Jeremiah 32:27). Do not despair over seemingly entrenched bad habits such as smoking, swearing, coveting/jealousy, an eating disorder or gambling. Rest assured that God can and will help you change if you repent, are baptized and receive the power of His Holy Spirit in your life.

The power comes from God, but we also have the responsibility to use it! We can have God’s Holy Spirit as a force for change in our own lives if we choose. Of course, we all have moments when we feel weak and powerless, but God can still work with us. Isaiah 40:29-30 reads, “He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall, but those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.” If you feel like you’re overwhelmed with your own weaknesses, turn to God and ask Him to fill you with His power—His Holy Spirit—and He will help you change and help you have the desire and the strength to make the changes yourself.

Of course, we must remember that the power of God’s Spirit doesn’t do the work for us. Overcoming the bad habits and weaknesses we have still takes all of our effort and is at times very challenging, but with God’s Spirit it is possible to overcome them.

Some of us more impatient people may need to remember that we are all unique individuals and God works with us each in a different way. Don’t be discouraged if you see someone else have powerful and instantaneous changes in their lives while you feel as if you’re just two steps past the starting line. God works with us each at a different pace because He knows what works best to help us make the most powerful and lasting changes in our lives.

The love of the Holy Spirit

Love comes in many forms: listening to others, forgiving others, encouraging others, submitting to the preferences of others.

True love is what makes life worth living. I’m not talking about the movielike romantic love where the birds are singing and the two lovers see stars, but godly love that is unselfish and filled with the concern for the well being of others. The gift of God’s Spirit is an expression of God’s love for us. This type of love is everlasting: “For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39). What an encouraging thought!

In turn, through His Holy Spirit, His love flows through us and out toward others. It’s a pretty amazing transformation to see over the course of a life since our natures are all so self-focused and because we live in such a selfish world. If you’re looking for ways to develop this kind of love, pray about the qualities found in 1 Corinthians 13 and start with small acts directed toward those who are closest to you, whether they are family, friends or coworkers. Love comes in many forms: listening to others, forgiving others, encouraging others, submitting to the preferences of others. The list goes on and on. God’s Spirit can help you develop this depth of love for others and for God Himself.

The sound mind from the Holy Spirit

The English words for “sound mind” mean “discipline” or “self-control” in the Greek. God’s Spirit in our lives can help us live up to the principles found in His Ten Commandments. The discipline found in these timeless laws helps us to obey God and live our happiest and most productive lives.

God’s Spirit helps ease our minds from these worries and helps us to be disciplined in all things.

God does not want us to be out of control and worried over every little thing in our lives. He tells us not to “worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on… But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things” (Matthew 6:25, 33-34). God’s Spirit helps ease our minds from these worries and helps us to be disciplined in all things.

It is comforting to know that God is truly in our lives and has laid out for us the path to success and the fulfillment of our potential. With that knowledge, each of us can have a sound mind that allows us to have the proper focus on obedience and love toward God and others. His Spirit, in essence, helps us to live the ultimate balanced life. When we are balanced, we are in a much better position to help others. With the power, the love and the sound mind that God can give us by His Holy Spirit we can then help others in the same journey to balance. God’s Holy Spirit is truly the gift that keeps on giving!