When we think of God, we may imagine the powerful Creator sitting on his throne in heaven. We may think of him in human form as Jesus, Savior of the World. But do we view him as the Holy Spirit? Just who is God in the person of the Holy Spirit, anyway?
The Holy Spirit is one of the three persons of God. He has feelings. Scripture tells us to not “bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live” (Ephesians 4:30). And he has a mind. According to 1 Corinthians 12:11, it is the Holy Spirit who distributes spiritual gifts to believers.
God “poured out” the Holy Spirit on his people on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2) two millennia ago, becoming not just a noun, but a verb. The Holy Spirit is the dynamic, active, ever-present person of God who impels us to action. God the Holy Spirit is about living, loving, responding, enjoying, embracing, comforting, supporting, accepting, encouraging, respecting, disciplining, growing, empowering, and a myriad of other such verbs.
His presence is additional proof that we belong to God, for the “Holy Spirit speaks to us deep in our hearts and tells us that we are God’s children” (Romans 8:16). As believers, we definitely experience him in our everyday living.
Question: Is the Holy Spirit difficult for you to comprehend?
Question: Do you feel protected, strengthened, and challenged by the Holy Spirit? Share an example of each.
Content adapted from Josh and Sean McDowell’s book, 77 FAQs about God and the Bible.
