The Holy Spirit is not merely a mystical presence but the very breath, wisdom, and power of God working in and through believers. Isaiah 11:2 offers one of the clearest biblical outlines of the Holy Spirit's attributes, describing seven distinct manifestations—often called the seven powers or spirits of the Holy Spirit. These powers were fully embodied in Jesus Christ and are given to believers to live godly and victorious lives. Isaiah 11:2 (KJV) " And the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord. " Let’s look at each power in detail: 1. The Spirit of the Lord This is the foundational presence of the Holy Spirit—the sovereign power of God that rests upon a person for divine assignment. It represents God’s anointing, approval, and presence. ...
Bitterness is a deeply corrosive emotion that the Bible warns against repeatedly. It is described not merely as a feeling but as a spiritual condition that defiles the soul and influences behavior. Hebrews 12:15 warns: “ See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many. ” This " root of bitterness " can destroy relationships, distort perception, and drive people away from God. But what causes bitterness according to Scripture? Let’s examine the biblical causes of bitterness, supported by examples and verses. 1. Unforgiveness One of the clearest causes of bitterness in the Bible is unforgiveness—holding on to offenses instead of releasing them through grace. Ephesians 4:31–32 says, “ Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one an...