The Holy Spirit is not just a force or an influence. He is God, a Person who teaches, guides, speaks and can even be grieved (Ephesians 4:30). He was there at creation, when “the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters” (Genesis 1:2), and He moved the writers of the Bible.
Before Jesus went back to heaven, He made a promise: “I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever” (John 14:16). The Spirit shows us our sin, points us to Jesus and guides us “into all truth” (John 16:8, 13).
The Spirit also changes us from the inside. “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance” (Galatians 5:22-23). He gives power to witness (Acts 1:8) and gifts to serve. And Jesus said the Father gladly gives the Holy Spirit “to them that ask him” (Luke 11:13). We can ask every day.
Key Bible verses
- Genesis 1:1-2The Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.
- John 14:16-18, 26Another Comforter, who teaches us all things.
- John 16:7-13He will guide you into all truth.
- Acts 1:8Power to be witnesses.
- Romans 8:14-16Led by the Spirit, we are the children of God.
- Galatians 5:22-23The fruit of the Spirit.
- Luke 11:13The Father gives the Holy Spirit to them that ask.
Tap a reference to read it in the Bible.
Think about it
- When have you felt the Holy Spirit leading you or warning you?
- Which fruit of the Spirit do you most want to grow in your life this year?
- Luke 11:13 says the Father gives the Spirit to those who ask. What will you ask Him for today?
