When we talk about God, many people think of God the Father and Jesus the Son. But who or what is the Holy Spirit? And why is He so important in our daily lives as Christians? In this blog, we dive deeper into who the Holy Spirit is, what His role is in your life and when you receive the Spirit of God.
The Holy Spirit is God
The Holy Spirit is not a ‘something’ or a vague feeling, but a Person. He is fully God, just like the Father and the Son. Together they form the Trinity. The Bible often speaks of the Holy Spirit as the One who dwells in believers, comforting, guiding and empowering them.
John 14:26: ‘But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.’
What is Pentecost?
Pentecost is the feast when we celebrate that the Holy Spirit was poured out on believers. Jesus had already promised His followers that a Substitute would come: a Comforter who would stay with them when He Himself went to the Father (John 14:16-17). After the ascension, Jesus' followers were together in an upper room when suddenly there came a sound like a great gust of wind and flames of fire appeared on everyone's heads. They were all filled with the Spirit.
Acts 2:4: ‘All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.’
From then on, God's presence was no longer confined to the temple, but He went to dwell in His people. Therefore, the Bible also says that as Christians, we are now a temple of the Holy Spirit! (1 Corinthians 6:19)
What does the Holy Spirit do in our lives?
The Holy Spirit is not just there for special moments - He wants to be part of your life on a daily basis. These are some of the things He does:
1. He comforts and guides you
John 14:16: ‘And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever’
In moments of uncertainty, sorrow or confusion, the Holy Spirit is your Comforter. He whispers truth and peace into your heart.
2. He gives strength and courage
Acts 1:8: ‘But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.’
When you face a difficult task, such as resisting temptation or doing something that requires courage, the Holy Spirit gives you strength to do what you cannot do yourself.
3. He helps you to live according to God's will
Galatians 5:16: 'So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves.'
The Holy Spirit helps you make choices that are in line with God's will. He grows fruit in your life, such as love, joy, peace and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).
Shop posters with Galatians 5:22
4. He speaks to your heart
Romans 8:14: ‘For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.'
He helps you recognise God's voice amidst all the noise, doubts and distractions of everyday life so that you can confidently follow His direction.
5. He pleads for you in prayer
Romans 8:26: ‘In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.’
Sometimes there are times when you just don't know what to say to God. You're sad, tired, confused or just don't have the words. The Holy Spirit then prays on your behalf. He knows your heart as well as the Father's heart. What a comfort that we don't have to formulate our prayers perfectly, because He knows exactly what you need, even before you've asked for it! (Matthew 6:8)
Why is being filled with the Holy Spirit important?
Without the Holy Spirit, we would try to become more like Jesus in our own strength and that doesn't work. But with the Spirit, we have access to His supernatural wisdom, power and love. In this way, we are changed from the inside out and also start bearing the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22).
View Fruit of the Spirit collection
How and when do you receive the Holy Spirit?
You receive the Holy Spirit the moment you accept Jesus as your Lord and Saviour. Ephesians 1:13 says that you are ‘sealed with the Holy Spirit’ when you come to faith. But the Bible also encourages us to be filled with the Spirit again and again. (Ephesians 5:18) It's about constantly opening your heart, allowing yourself to be led and refilled with His power, love and wisdom.
Want to be more engaged with faith in your daily life? Check out our Christian wall art and cards to remind yourself and another of the goodness of God!
