Some people make the mistake of depersonalizing the Holy Spirit. They think of Him as some kind of will or force within them, not a He but an It. They confuse Him with the vague generic idea of a conscience. They pick up false ideas from Eastern religions about some small "spark" of God within us. But the Bible is very clear that none of these are accurate descriptions of who the Holy Spirit is and how He relates to us.
God's Spirit is fully a person with all His own individual traits. He speaks, inspires, guides, convicts, comforts, and encourages. He can be lied to and grieved. All these traits are functions of personality. Jesus always referred to Him in that light. He used the personal pronouns He and Him, but never the impersonal pronoun it. When He spoke to His disciples in the upper room about the Holy Spirit, He used the Greek word paracletos meaning called to one's side. That name tells us that the Holy Spirit has the ability to give aid and to comfort or console.
God's Spirit is a unique member of the Trinity. As you come to learn more about His work in your life, you will be more aware of His presence and power. You will come to recognize His gentle voice, welcoming His comfort and basking in His encouragement. He will come to be like a perfect friend. You will have an awareness of His personality and presence everywhere you go.
Your View of God Really Matters ...
Do you view the Holy Spirit more as a person or as an impersonal force? If you want to see how the Bible portrays the Holy Spirit, look up each verse below and write down the various characteristics that imply personhood.
Learn more about God’s character at Discover God, by Bright Media Foundation, an affiliate of Cru.
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