The Evidence Within: Living by the Spirit, Not by Sight

This Sunday at Myrtle House Community Church, Martin O’Brien continued our recent teaching series inspired by the phrase: “Don’t rely on the naked eye.” Over the past few weeks, we’ve explored what it means to see life through faith and not just through what we can see physically. This week, Martin turned our focus to the Holy Spirit — the unseen presence of God who lives within every believer — and asked a vital question:

“What is the evidence of the Holy Spirit in your life?”

So many of us have wondered, “Have I really got the Holy Spirit? How do I know He’s with me?” Martin reminded us that the Bible gives us clear answers — not through feelings or appearances, but through evidence.

1. The Fruit of the Spirit

Galatians 5:22-23 tells us that “the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives — love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.”
Fruit is the natural evidence of life. When the Holy Spirit is working in us, the fruit of His presence grows in our hearts and actions. These qualities are not something we can fake — they are produced by the Spirit’s transforming power within us.

2. The Gifts of the Spirit

1 Corinthians 12:7 says, “A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other.”
The gifts of the Spirit — such as wisdom, healing, prophecy, discernment, and others — are another evidence of God at work in His people. They’re not for self-promotion, but for building up the Church and strengthening one another in faith.

3. The Inner Witness of the Spirit

Romans 8:16 reminds us that “the Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.”
This is one of the most personal evidences of all — that quiet inner assurance that you belong to God. It’s not something you can see with the naked eye, but something you know deep in your soul.

4. A Transformed Life

Titus 3:4-7 speaks of the Spirit’s renewing power: “He saved us… through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.”
When you look back over your journey with Christ, can you see how you’ve changed? The transformation of your heart, mind, and character is one of the strongest proofs of the Holy Spirit’s presence.

5. Be Filled Again and Again

Ephesians 5:18 encourages us to “be filled with the Spirit.” This isn’t a one-time experience — it’s a daily renewal. The more we surrender to God, the more we make room for His Spirit to move in us and through us.

Martin reminded us that if we have given our lives to Jesus, we already have the Holy Spirit. The key is to stay open, keep trusting, and live in step with the Spirit each day.

You don’t need to rely on what you see — rely on the evidence of what God is doing within you.
Let His fruit grow, His gifts flow, and His presence remind you that you are His.

Key Scripture:

“Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.”
— Galatians 5:25 (NLT)