“…that Christ may dwell richly in your hearts by faith…” (Ephesians 3:17)

I was recently reflecting on an important distinction between Old Testament believers and New Testament believers. In the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit did not permanently reside within people. Scripture shows that the Spirit came upon individuals temporarily—empowering them for specific tasks, moments, or assignments. Those encounters were powerful, but they were visitations.

However, we as New Testament believers are living under a better covenant, established on better promises (Hebrews 8:6). What a privilege we have! The Holy Spirit does not merely visit us—He indwells us. He lives within us continuously, leading us, guiding us, teaching us, comforting us, and empowering us in every season of life. Under the old covenant, the Spirit came for a moment; under the new covenant, the Spirit comes to stay. That is not visitation—that is habitation. Hallelujah! That is truly good news.

Because of this indwelling presence, we can live with confidence. We are not left to figure life out on our own. The Holy Spirit empowers us to live victoriously and to witness boldly to the love and goodness of God.

The Apostle Paul understood the power and necessity of this truth. He prayed for the believers in Ephesus—a city and culture that was openly hostile to Christianity. Identifying as a follower of Christ in that environment came with real danger and persecution. Yet today, many of us live in places where we can worship openly and speak freely about our faith in Jesus Christ. .

Still, Paul’s prayer remains just as relevant now as it was then. He prayed “that Christ would dwell richly in their hearts by faith.” As I studied this phrase more closely in the original language, I received a fresh revelation. The Greek word used here is katoikesai. The prefix kata means “fully” or “completely,” and oikos means “house” or “home.” Paul was not simply praying that Christ would visit their hearts—he was praying that Christ would be fully and completely at home in them.

That raises an important question for us today.

We often tell guests in our homes, “Make yourself at home.” What we usually mean is, “Sit down, relax, get comfortable.” But if that guest kicked off their shoes, walked into the kitchen, opened the refrigerator, and started helping themselves, many of us would quickly say, “Hey—what are you doing?” In other words, our welcome has limits. You’re welcome in the living room—but not in the bedroom, not in the medicine cabinet, and definitely not behind the shower curtain.

In the same way, many believers give Jesus a partial welcome. We invite Him into certain areas of our hearts but quietly restrict access to others. Yet Jesus does not desire to be a visitor—He desires to be fully at home.

So let me ask you gently, but honestly:

Is Jesus comfortable with the company you keep?

Is He at home with the shows you watch and the words you speak?

Is He welcome in how you treat others when no one is watching?

Is He comfortable with what you post, share, and promote on social media?

Is Jesus welcome in every room of your heart—or only the rooms you’ve cleaned up?

Jesus wants access to every part of our lives—not to condemn us, but to transform us. He desires to dwell richly, fully, and freely within us.

So let me ask you again—not as an accusation, but as an invitation:

Is Jesus Christ really welcome in your heart?

Closing Reflection:

Christ does not force His way into hidden rooms. He waits for permission. The more access we give Him, the more peace, freedom, and transformation we experience.

Father God,
You are the One who comes where You are desired.


You do not enter by force,
and You do not remain where You are merely tolerated.

You have taught us that welcome is not passive.

It is will.
It is desire.
It is permission.

So today we pause before You— to examine what we have welcomed into our lives. Not what passed through, but what we allowed to stay. Not what knocked, but what we invited in.

You remind us that what we welcome is no longer an intruder— it becomes a guest. And what becomes a guest is given space, influence, and voice.

Search us, Lord. Show us where our words have opened doors without our awareness. Where tolerance replaced intention. Where endurance replaced discernment.

You gave us Your breath, and with it the power to speak. So teach us again how to speak wisely. Let us remember that life and death move through what we choose to welcome.

Today, with clarity and humility, we welcome only what aligns with You.
We welcome truth, peace, wisdom, and right order.
We welcome Your presence—not as obligation, but as desire.

And anything that does not come from You—anything never meant to dwell—we quietly withdraw permission.

Train our hearts to desire what is good.Train our mouths to speak with care. Train our lives to reflect the authority carried in the breath You placed within us.

Remain with us, Lord.
Not because You are tolerated, but because You are deeply desired.

In The Name Of Jesus - Amen.