The Gift of the Holy Spirit
Read John 14:15-31
Jesus replied, “All who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will come and make our home with each of them. Anyone who doesn’t love me will not obey me. And remember, my words are not my own. What I am telling you is from the Father who sent me. I am telling you these things now while I am still with you. But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.
“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid. Remember what I told you: I am going away, but I will come back to you again. If you really loved me, you would be happy that I am going to the Father, who is greater than I am. I have told you these things before they happen so that when they do happen, you will believe.”
(John 14:23-29)
Reflect
Before his crucifixion, Jesus wanted to prepare his disciples. Knowing how terrified and alone they would feel once he returned to heaven after his resurrection, Jesus promised the disciples that the Holy Spirit would help them remember what he taught them. This promise ensures the validity of the New Testament. The disciples were eyewitnesses of Jesus’ life and teachings, and the Holy Spirit helped them remember without taking away their individual perspectives. The Holy Spirit can help us in the same way. As we study the Bible and pray, we can trust the Holy Spirit to plant truth in our mind, convince us of God’s will, and remind us when we stray from it.
Respond
The Holy Spirit’s work in our lives is deep and lasting peace. Unlike worldly peace, which is usually defined as the absence of conflict, this peace is confident assurance in any circumstance. With the peace of Jesus, we have no need to fear the present or the future. If your life is full of fear or stress, pray for the Holy Spirit to fill you with Christ’s peace (see Philippians 4:6-7 for more on experiencing God’s peace).