Who And What Is The Holy Spirit?

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John 14:16-17 “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you."

Galatians 5:22-23 "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law."

Think

When we think about the Holy Spirit, it’s easy to feel uncertain. Unlike Jesus, who walked the earth and whom we can picture in our minds, the Holy Spirit can seem more abstract, almost like a distant force rather than a person. But the Holy Spirit is not only personal; he’s deeply involved in our lives in profound and personal ways. The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity, fully God, who has come to dwell within us, guiding, comforting, and empowering us for the journey of faith.

One of the most incredible aspects of the Holy Spirit’s role is his work as our Comforter. In times of grief, anxiety, or confusion, the Holy Spirit is the one who comes alongside us, offering the peace and reassurance that only God can provide. Imagine having a trusted friend who always knows exactly what to say, how to comfort you, and what advice you need. That’s the Holy Spirit—constantly present, whispering God’s truth to our hearts, reminding us that we are not alone. This role of comfort is not just a nice thought; it’s a reality that many believers have experienced during life’s most challenging moments.

The Holy Spirit is also our Guide, leading us into all truth. He doesn’t just comfort us; he actively directs our paths, helping us discern God’s will and navigate the complexities of life. Think about those moments when you’ve felt an inner nudge to make a particular decision or avoid a certain path—that’s often the Holy Spirit at work. He illuminates Scripture for us, making God’s Word come alive, and helps us apply it to our daily lives. It’s like having a light that never goes out, always showing us the next step, even when the path ahead seems dark or uncertain.

But the Holy Spirit’s work doesn’t stop at comforting and guiding; he also empowers us to live the Christian life. We’re not left to struggle on our own or rely solely on our strength. The Holy Spirit gives us the power to resist sin, to love others as Jesus did, and to share the gospel with boldness. Through his presence, we bear fruit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. The Holy Spirit is like the wind in our sails, driving us forward, and enabling us to do things we could never do on our own. When we feel weak, we can remember that his power working within us makes living a godly, purposed life possible.

Apply

Before starting your day, pray and ask the Holy Spirit to guide you, comfort you in any anxieties, and empower you to live out your faith. Use a verse like Romans 8:14, "For those who the Spirit of God leads are the children of God," as a reminder that the Holy Spirit is always ready to lead you, and trust in his guidance in all you do.

Pray

Holy Spirit, I invite you into my day and every decision I make. Guide, comfort, and empower me to live in a way that reflects your presence in my life. Help me to be sensitive to your leading and to trust in your wisdom. In Jesus’ name. Amen.