Hebrews 4:12 “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”
I had always thought of the non-physical aspects of myself as being encompassed by the soul but recently discovered that scripture views the soul as distinct from the spirit. The soul encompasses our mind, will, and emotions, while the spirit serves as our only means of true connection with the Holy Spirit.
Most of us have healthy souls because modern society feeds the soul constantly. It is where our sense of “self” comes from, and every article we read, every meal we eat, every app we click has been engineered to make us feel or think a certain way. As companies get better at “feeding the soul” in addiction creating habit loops (see Social Dilemma on Netflix if you haven’t already), what often results are shriveled, neglected spirits that rarely connect with God deeply.
Tonight at Love After Marriage we’ll be practicing an exercise on blessing each other’s spirits. I’ve found it powerful in my relationships. I blessed my parents’ spirits this morning and I plan to bless my boys' spirits for the first time tonight. (Have left the exercise below for reference.) Lord, thank you for giving us the tools to nourish each other’s spirits. Thank you for the access that we have to connect with the Holy Spirit because of the price you paid on the cross. I love you. In Jesus’ name, Amen. I bless your spirit to take a position of prominence over your soul and body. I bless your spirit to receive everything that God has in store for you. I see in you someone who… [fill in with how God sees that person e.g. “a beloved child of God and a wonderful mother”…]