When the Spirit breathes powerfully, people come to life. Many young people are broken because of family situations. They may be crushed, but then the Holy Spirit comes with his power, and Jesus breathes, and they come to life like beautiful flowers.

Without the breath of God, everything would be lifeless like in a museum. Without the breath of God, the Bible would be interesting—but it wouldn’t touch your life. Once you receive his breath, it can change your life.

After Jesus’ death, the apostles were afraid. They locked themselves in. But when Jesus came, He said, “Peace be with you” (Jn 20:19). He breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit” (Jn 20:22). He didn’t give one word of blame; He forgave them and gave them his Spirit.

The Holy Spirit wants to heal us. He wants us to receive forgiveness for our sins and the power to share that forgiveness with others.

My greatest joy is when I hear confessions all day. I see the power of the Holy Spirit bring people to life.

How do we receive the power of the Holy Spirit? First, don’t be afraid of this power—which is greater than an atomic bomb. Some fear—the fear of God—is a gift. He’s holy and powerful, but his power is for our good. He wants to renew us; He wants us to be like a blossoming flower.

Second, remain receptive to the Lord and open to all He has for you. Ask yourself: “Do I desire the Holy Spirit?” If so, pray for that! And if not, pray for the desire to desire the Holy Spirit!

Let me tell you a little about myself. I entered the seminary at eighteen, and I had a very bad relationship with my father. It weighed on me and took away my joy and freedom. I prayed every day for healing in that relationship. One day when I was twenty-three, I was at home, and my father was shouting at me. I can’t remember why, but I know it was unjust. And the Holy Spirit came. I had prayed for six years: “Lord, I want to forgive. I want to love him.”

Such a love came into the room at that moment! I asked my father, “Can you forgive me for everything?” I imagine he was not ready, but I was ready—by the Holy Spirit—to forgive him. I felt love for my dad like never before.

It was a miracle. The relationship consisted of so many wounds. But on that day, I heard in my heart, “Your dad is very wounded, but he’s also my son.” For the first time, I looked at my father and saw a very wounded son of the Father. That’s my biggest testimony: my forgiveness to my dad and my love for him. Now I sit with him very often when I am at home. We don’t agree most of the time—about sports, politics, or religion. But I sit with him and say, “Father, cheers.” I hated him, but through the power of the Holy Spirit, I now love him. I’m so grateful.

The power of God is bigger than our wounds, our past, or our traumas. There are no limits. Let’s ask Him to show us his power, heal our wounds, and help us to become ourselves through Christ our Lord.

This article is condensed from a talk given at the 2025 Lift Jesus Higher Youth Rally in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The article originally appeared in Renewal Ministries’ June 2025 newsletter. You can listen to the youth rally talks here.