There are two houses that we might find ourselves choosing that can consume our thoughts and the place where we usually dwell. We can live in the house of fear or the house of love.
There are many things that can cause us to be afraid in these times. They include corruption in the institutions that we have come to rely on, changes in the climate, advances in technology to name a few. When we spend lots of time consumed by these worries, we can find ourselves afraid to step out to make a difference.
There is another house that we can choose to enter – the house of love. This is the house where God lives. The person who dwells in God’s house has come to the realization that he or she needs God’s grace to change fear into love. Jesus has left us his Spirit to bring love into our house. We become open to the Spirit’s love and acceptance, and we are able to receive all of the gifts God wants to awaken in us. Love is contagious. When we truly love, love will let us let go of the fear that strangles us. Is not the story of the Apostles and the early Christians examples of how the Spirit can act in our lives?
- Do you find yourself often in the house of fear?
- What helps you to enter the house of love?
- What gifts does the Holy Spirit want to give you?
O God, help me change my fear into love.