I want to share with you a Bible verse that literally changed my life. The truth of this verse has had a profound impact on both my life and ministry. Here’s that verse:
May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. (2 Corinthians 13:14, NLT)
So why is this verse so powerful? It reveals to us that the Holy Spirit is a Person. He’s not a thing, a force, an idea, or a shadow of God. After all, how could one fellowship with an idea? How could one share a friendship with a shadow?
Really think about the implications of such a truth: the Holy Spirit is a Person. I know you’ve likely heard that before. But just because a truth is often repeated does not mean that a truth is rightfully appreciated.
The Holy Spirit is a person, which means He has a voice.
The Holy Spirit said to Philip, “Go over and walk along beside the carriage.” (Acts 8:29, NLT)
The Holy Spirit has a will.
“But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.” (1 Corinthians 12:11, KJV)
The Holy Spirit has feelings.
And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption. (Ephesians 4:30, NLT)
Think about this: the Holy Spirit has a voice, so it’s possible that He can be ignored. The Holy Spirit has a will, so it’s possible that He can be disobeyed. The Holy Spirit has feelings, so it’s possible that He can be hurt.
Think about this too: The Holy Spirit has a voice, so it’s possible that He can be heard. The Holy Spirit has a will, so it’s possible that He can be obeyed. The Holy Spirit has feelings, so it’s possible that He can rejoice over our actions.
Indeed, the Holy Spirit is a Person, which means that He can befriend me. It was the simple idea that I could fellowship with the Holy Spirit as a friend that set me on a spiritual path leading into the deep things of God.
Friendship with the Holy Spirit - or fellowship - is a gift from God. In every moment of everyday, you can abide in the presence of God. Because the Holy Spirit dwells in you, you can enjoy His presence even during the seemingly mundane moments of life. You don’t have to search for an atmosphere; you are an atmosphere. You don’t have to look to Heaven, for Heaven is in you.
In my moments of sorrow, He hurts with me. In my victories, He celebrates with me. In my living through everyday occurrences, He is there. He brings life to my every moment.
You are a friend of the Holy Spirit.