Who Lives in your Heart?
READ: John 14:15-21
Have you ever had a close friend move far away to a new city or state? Your long-distance relationship with that friend probably didn’t last long. Slowly, more time would pass between the e-mails that kept you in touch. Some people may even have special keepsakes, a gift given between friends, as a remembrance, which will keep this person in their minds forever.
Our Lord does not only want to be in our minds, but also in our hearts. He says in John 14:17, “You know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.” Unlike friends, God will live in our hearts forever. We may not be able to physically see him, but through faith we know He is there. Believing that God lives in our hearts assures us that He will one day reveal Himself to us.
Throughout our lives, friendships come and go. Thinking of these lost friends may sadden us. Cheer up, however, because our best friend, our Lord, will be with us forever. Jesus sacrificed Himself, giving us salvation from sin and life everlasting. And the "keepsake" he gave us is His Word and the Holy Spirit. Out of God's amazing love we will one day see and live with Him in heaven.
THINGS TO THINK ABOUT: How does God show that He is your best friend? How do you know God is always with you? What other types of “keepsakes” or gifts has God given you?
PRAYER SUGGESTIONS: Pray for those who haven’t yet met, or made God their best friend. Ask God to open the hearts of unbelievers, so that the Holy Spirit can enter and live in them. Thank Him for living within us and for choosing us to recognize His presence.