The impact of God’s love on our lives creates a manifestation that is the foundation of our impartation to others. When we experience the love of God, it changes how we view ourselves, others, and the world. This change allows us to become a walking encounter (witness) through the Holy Spirit.

Acts 1:8
⁸ But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

Acts 2:1-16:   ¹ When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord^[a] in one place. ² And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. ³ Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. ⁴ And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

⁵ And there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven. ⁶ And when this sound occurred, the multitude came together, and were confused, because everyone heard them speak in his own language. ⁷ Then they were all amazed and marveled, saying to one another, “Look, are not all these who speak Galileans? ⁸ And how is it that we hear, each in our own language in which we were born? ⁹ Parthians and Medes and Elamites, those dwelling in Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, ¹⁰ Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya adjoining Cyrene, visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, ¹¹ Cretans and Arabs—we hear them speaking in our own tongues the wonderful works of God.” ¹² So they were all amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “Whatever could this mean?”
¹³ Others mocking said, “They are full of new wine.”

¹⁴ But Peter, standing up with the eleven, raised his voice and said to them, “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and heed my words. ¹⁵ For these are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day. ¹⁶ But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: (NKJV)

When the disciples experienced the encounter with the Holy Spirit, it changed their understanding and mindsets and freed them to become an active encounter themselves. God’s manifestation of love through pouring out His Holy Spirit made the disciples a sign and an encounter to those who saw and experienced the outpouring. They were filled and empowered to be witnesses of Jesus. The baptism of the Holy Spirit was promised by Jesus and had the purpose of empowerment. Peter overcame his fear and insecurity that was exhibited during Jesus’ trial and crucifixion. In Acts chapter 2, under the power of the Holy Spirit, he preaches and 2000 people are saved.

Our goal is to live in the love and presence of God and to become the same type of encounter that the disciples became in the power of the Holy Spirit. With this power, our eyes will be open to the opportunities the God has ordained to us to show His love to the world.