There are moments in our walk when our hearts respond to another believer with a quiet pull—as though a gentle string is being drawn from within. This sensation is not emotional confusion, nor is it a misplaced affection. It is the Holy Spirit within you bearing witness to His own work in another vessel. Scripture declares, “The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God” (Romans 8:16). What you feel is not the flesh reaching—it is the Spirit recognizing the Spirit.

We are not operating from separate sources. The Word reminds us, “There is one body and one Spirit” (Ephesians 4:4), and again, “For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body” (1 Corinthians 12:13). The same Spirit who dwells in you is the same Spirit who dwells in them. So when your heart stirs, it is unity responding to unity, Presence acknowledging Presence, the Spirit rejoicing in the evidence of His own life being formed in another.

This is the mystery revealed in the encounter between Mary and Elizabeth. Scripture says, “When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit” (Luke 1:41). It was not personality. It was not familiarity. It was not emotional chemistry. It was the Holy Spirit responding to the Holy Spirit. Christ in Mary was recognized by the Spirit in Elizabeth, and the unborn John leaped because the Presence of the Lord had entered the room.

Jesus Himself taught that the Spirit’s work is to reveal Him: “He will glorify Me, for He will take what is Mine and declare it to you” (John 16:14). So when the Spirit highlights someone to you, He is not drawing you to the person—He is drawing you to the Christ being formed within them. This protects your heart from misinterpretation and anchors your discernment in truth.

Even the love you feel—the warmth, the tenderness, the holy pull—is not emotional infatuation. It is the fruit of the Spirit. “The fruit of the Spirit is love…” (Galatians 5:22). This love is not flesh‑produced; it is Spirit‑produced. Jesus said, “By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35). This love is evidence of discipleship, not evidence of romantic entanglement.

And understand this also: the same spiritual traction works in the opposite direction. Just as the Holy Spirit draws, the enemy attempts to pull. Ideas, beliefs, impulses, and impressions can press upon the mind—but not all of them come from the Lord. Scripture warns us that “the god of this world has blinded the minds of unbelievers” (2 Corinthians 4:4), and that the enemy plants thoughts like seeds: “While men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat” (Matthew 13:25). Not every pull is holy. Not every stirring is divine. Some influences are crafted to deceive, distort, and derail.

This is why the Word commands us, “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil” (Ephesians 6:11). We are not spectators in this life—we are soldiers. Scripture says plainly, “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood” (Ephesians 6:12). The battleground is not external; it is internal. The war is waged in the mind. This is why we are instructed to “take every thought captive to obey Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5). Every thought must be examined. Every pull must be discerned. Every influence must be tested.

And this is where discernment becomes practical for the body of Christ.

When you are building a small community church, this kind of Spirit‑to‑Spirit pull becomes a tool for shepherding. If the Holy Spirit within you highlights someone, do not ignore it. Ask what spiritual gift the Lord has placed in them. Scripture teaches, “To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good” (1 Corinthians 12:7). Every believer carries something from God meant to strengthen the church.

If you notice musical grace, a psalmist’s heart, or someone who writes lyrics unto the Lord, recognize that gifting. Scripture exhorts us, “Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs” (Ephesians 5:19). These are not talents for display—they are vessels of divine communication. If you discern teaching ability, compassion, administration, intercession, or any other grace, call them forward. The Word affirms, “Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them” (Romans 12:6). The Spirit does not highlight people randomly—He highlights them purposefully. When He draws your attention to someone, it is often because He intends to place them in service for the strengthening of His house, or to guide you to uplift their spirit, hear the message of God within them, and help them walk in their calling.

Every God-given gift is a thread in the tapestry of His glory. Whether it is expressed through song, counsel, prayer, or leadership, it is meant to edify, unify, and glorify the Lord. So discern the pull. Ask the questions. Call forth the gift. Let the Spirit build the church through the vessels He Himself has equipped.

So when your heart responds to another believer, do not misinterpret the moment. Interpret it spiritually. Recognize the Presence. Honor the Witness. Let the Spirit interpret what the Spirit initiates.

BENEDICTION

May the Spirit who bears witness within you teach you to discern His movements, honor His unity, and recognize His Presence in every vessel He touches.

Amen.