The Holy Spirit Comforters
Jesus promised he would send the Holy Spirit to be a counselor and a comforter (John 14:16-18). Just how does the Holy Spirit comfort Christians?
He comforts by his presence.
The Greek word paraclete means "one who comes alongside." The Holy Spirit is a personal presence. He is the third person of the Godhead. When we experience difficulty or stress, the Holy Spirit comes alongside to reinforce and comfort.
When struck by tragedy, Christians often say, "I wonder how people go through experiences like this if they don't have the Lord with them." 1 have heard Christians say, "I always wondered how 1 would react if something like this happened to me. But I've discovered that God provides extra strength when you need it."
Sometimes the Holy Spirit empowers and comforts, and we're not even aware of his presence. The poem "Footprints" concludes with Jesus saying, "During your times of trial when you see only one set of footprints, it was then 1 carried you." Jesus promised, "I will not leave you as orphans; 1 will come to you" (John 14:18).
He comforts through his people.
The Holy Spirit equips some people with a special ability to encourage and comfort (Romans 12:6-8). Even though Paul was filled with the Holy Spirit, he requested that Timothy come quickly and visit him in prison to bring help and encouragement. God has always supplied such gifts.
Christians can persevere and even be joyful through times of severe tragedy. That's possible not only because of the promise of eternal life to come but also because of the promise of the comforting presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
Think About This:
l. When you are feeling good, do you prefer to be alone or with someone else? What about when you are feeling sad or discouraged?
2. When Jesus promised the Spirit to come, he also promised peace. How can the presence of God's Spirit provide peace for an individual, a family, a church, a community, a nation, the world?
3. The apostle Paul said we should "keep in step with the Spirit" (Galatians 5:25). How can you stay in step day by day, starting this week?
Pastor Paul Leavens