“When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father—the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father—He will testify about Me.” John 15:26 NIV
In the early years of my life as a disciple of Jesus, I never had a clear grasp of the Holy Spirit. He was often spoken of as an “it”. He is not an “it.” The Holy Spirit is a “Somebody.” God’s Spirit possesses three defining characteristics of personhood: intelligence, will, and emotion. To prove these points, let us look at some New Testament verses. 1 Corinthians 2:10-11 explains that the Holy Spirit knows God’s thoughts and illuminates the truth for us. Later in the same book, He is identified as the One who determines the spiritual gift(s) of each believer (1 Corinthians 12:7-11). Finally, the Holy Spirit’s feelings are revealed in verses like Romans 15:30, which tells of His love, and Ephesians 4:30, which warns against grieving Him. Consider also that Jesus spoke of a Helper who would come after Him (John 14:16, 26). Aiding and assuring others are the acts of a person, as is teaching which is the Holy Spirit’s primary work. Perhaps you misunderstand the Holy Spirit as I once did. He is not an “it” any more than God the Father or Jesus Christ is. The Holy Spirit is a part of the Trinity, and if you are a believer, He is with you now. God has given us His Spirit as a special Helper. One who sticks closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24). Praise the Lord!
PRAYER THOUGHT
Thank you, Holy Spirit, for sticking closer than a brother.
PRAYER FOR TODAY
Thank You, Father, for giving us the Holy Spirit as our special Helper. One who sticks closer than a brother. AMEN
INTERNATIONAL BIBLE READING ASSOCIATION (IBRA)
Mark 14:32-42
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