Because we are God’s children, he has filled each of us with the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit has been given to us by God to live in our hearts to help us serve God.

Being filled with the Spirit means that we will want to worship God. One way that we can do this is by singing psalms or hymns. God is praised and worshiped by our singing. Paul says that we should make melody in our hearts to God. So, our singing should be from the heart. We should think about what we are singing.

Sometimes when we sing, we are also encouraging others to praise or trust God. Think of Psalm 150, where we encourage everyone to praise God. Singing is a wonderful way to worship God together with others.

The Spirit also teaches us to give thanks to God. Paul says to give thanks always. We cannot choose to be thankful sometimes and then not at other times, but we must give thanks always. Sometimes when things are hard, we do not feel like thanking God, but there is always something you can thank God for. You are God’s child, and he loves and cares for you. He forgives your sins and promises you eternal life with him. That is surely reason to thank God. And that is why we are told to give thanks in all things. No matter what we are going through, we should always still thank God for his love and grace.

As God’s children we are also told to submit to each other in the fear of God. This means that we should always show love and kindness to others. You may think that someone else does not deserve your love or your kindness because they are not always kind to you. But God does not want you to be kind to others because they are worthy of this kindness, but for Christ’s sake. Think of the love and kindness Christ showed to you by dying on the cross when you did not deserve it. And so, for Christ’s sake you must show love and kindness to others.

Reflection with your child:

How does the Spirit help you serve God?

Source: Sermon by Rev. K. Dekker