Moe Bergeron

The greatest gift of the Spirit isn’t power—it’s presence. He doesn’t just make us useful to God; He makes us close to God. Through the Spirit, we’re not just servants—we’re sons and daughters.

Romans 8:15 (NLT)
“So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, ‘Abba, Father.’”

Reflection
Fear was a normal reaction in the old covenant. Drawing near to God meant strict boundaries, careful observance, and the constant reminder of unworthiness. But everything changed at the cross. The veil was torn, and the Spirit was given—not to keep us at a distance, but to bring us close.

Paul says we didn’t receive a spirit of slavery, but of sonship. The Spirit we’ve been given doesn’t cause us to shrink back in fear—He invites us to cry out Abba, a word that speaks of deep intimacy. It’s not formal or distant; it’s relational and affectionate. It’s the language of trust.

This kind of closeness is not something we earn; it’s something we’re given. The Spirit doesn’t teach us to perform for God—He teaches us to relate to Him as Father. He reminds us that we are adopted, wanted, and welcome.

There’s something freeing about knowing you can come to God without fear of rejection. That even on your worst days, the Spirit inside you still testifies: You belong. That’s the heartbeat of intimacy—not perfection, but presence.

Application
Today, approach God not as a servant afraid of failure, but as a child secure in love. Speak to Him as your Father. Let the Spirit guide you into deeper communion—not out of pressure, but from the joy of being fully known and fully loved. He delights in you.

References

Galatians 4:6 (NLT)
“And because we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, ‘Abba, Father.’”

Hebrews 4:16 (NLT)
“So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.”

Prayer
Abba Father, thank You for drawing me close through Your Spirit. I don’t want to live like a fearful slave—I want to walk as Your child. Help me rest in Your love today. Spirit of God, continue to remind me that I belong to You. Teach me to enjoy Your presence and draw near with confidence. Amen.