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Deep in our hearts, we all yearn for the Spirit’s presence. Often, however, obstacles can prevent us from knowing his grace more deeply. Below are five steps we can take to remove these obstacles and open our hearts to the Spirit’s transforming power.
1. Forgive those who have hurt you. What could be more like Jesus than praying with him, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34)? When forgive, we allow the Lord to replace bitterness and resentment with his love and grace.
2. Do not tolerate sin. Nothing keeps us from receiving the Spirit more than allowing sin to continue in our hearts and our actions. Scripture says that those with “clean hands and a pure heart” will receive the Lord’s blessing (Psalm 24:4-5). Go to confession, and ask the Lord for the grace to sin no more. He is always ready to forgive and strengthen his people.
3. Renounce prejudice. “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus”…
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