Sensitive

<<responsive>>

This desirable quality of having a tender heart that is aware of the needs and aspirations of others requires maturity and wisdom about how to respond appropriately; however, caring and thoughtful people themselves can also be over-sensitive and emotional, and by misunderstanding comments can be easily offended, which can allow self-pity to takeover. Being sensitive opens opportunities to help others. As we have received comfort of the Holy Spirit, so in turn we can minister to others (2 Cor 1:3,4).

Clearly hearing and discerning the voice of God is a discipline that needs to be developed, even as the boy Samuel attuned himself to the heavenly master (1 Sam 3:1-10). The Holy Spirit

‘Lord, help me to be sensitive to your voice’

is likened to a dove, a gentle creature who will not force Himself into our lives but waits to be invited, so be open and sensitive to His guidance and conviction of sin, responding appropriately (Ps 32:8; Mt 2:13-15,19-23; Jn 1:32; Rev 3:20). Although Elijah experienced the wind, earthquake and fire it was in the unspectacular quiet whisper He was spoken to by God (1 Kgs 19:11-18).

Although the Holy Spirit lives within us as believers, He is submissive to either our welcoming stance of honouring and respecting His presence or selfish attitude that is insensitive or unresponsive to Him speaking. We should cultivate the awareness of His presence and converse with Him throughout the day asking for guidance and grace and whatever else we need. Hence we are not grieve Him but to be filled with the Spirit (Eph 4:30, 5:18).

Jesus said we would know His voice – am I aware of Him communing with my spirit and do I obey what He says (Jn 8:47, 10:3-5)? Remember Jesus said if we love Him we will obey what He tells us (Jn 14:15).

Our hearts should be sensitive and broken with the things that break God’s heart – people going to hell, Christian’s not walking in victory or growing in their relationship with their Saviour. Don’t pretend not to see the needs, refusing to get involved because it is someone else’s problem. Love requires

Our sensitivity should be focused on others not ourselves

sensitivity which leads to personal involvement (Isa 58:7; Lk 10:30-37; Jas 2:15,16).

Through the hardening of their hearts, wicked people lose all sensitivity and increasingly give themselves over to all kinds of sin (Eph 4:18,19).