“God knows people’s hearts, and he confirmed that he accepts Gentiles by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as he did to us.” – (Acts 15:8)
These words come from Peter’s defense of taking the good news of Jesus to Gentiles — Cornelius and his household (Acts 10:1-48). From the moment that the Holy Spirit came upon Cornelius and the other believers in his household, Peter and his companions were convicted that God had shown he approved of their conversion (Acts 10:44-48; 11:15-18).
The Holy Spirit is God’s way of showing that we are part of his family (Rom. 8:9). The unity, the bond, the family tie that we share is precious and to be rigorously protected (Eph. 4:3). The Spirit is our assurance that we belong to God and are family with each other!
Prayer : O Father, tear down the walls that keep your children apart. Thank you for confirming that I am your child through the presence of the Holy Spirit within me. May I deeply value each of your children, my brothers and sisters, for whom Christ died and in whom the Holy Spirit lives. I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
