MY PERFECT PARTNER

“And I will pray the Father, and He will give you ANOTHER HELPER, that He may abide with you forever – the Spirit of truth…” – John 14: 16-17a

GOD in the Person of the Holy Spirit is MY PERFECT PARTNER: “And I will pray the Father, and He will give you ANOTHER HELPER, that He may abide with you FOREVER – the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and WILL BE IN YOU” (Jh.14: 16-17). Jesus was a Helper to His disciples – their Master, Friend and Partner. As they approached Gethsemane on the final night together, revelations spilled out of His heart and mouth: About mansions in heaven; abiding in Him and loving one another; and being prepared for the world’s hatred and rejection. He then promised that once He ascended in glory, He’ll pray to the Father to send the Holy Spirit as a Helper of the same kind!

Jesus called the Holy Spirit, parakletos: an advocate who pleads the cause of another before a judge; one who stands by to help. He emphasized why we absolutely need Him: “Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you… However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come” (Jh.16:7,13). The Spirit helps, guides, speaks, and reveals! In this New Covenant, God’s people become individual temples of His Spirit. He is my Partner in at least five ways:

Advocate: The Holy Spirit is on my side, permanently indwelling me (vv.16-17). He works to open doors for me, empower me, and remind me of God’s Word. Being God, He sees the truest and loveliest version of me. He works hard in partnership with me to bring that version to life. He is not against me, outside of me, merely watching me or waiting for my failure. No, He is for me, inside of me, engaging with me, and working to witness my growth and fruitfulness.

Comforter: The Spirit gives comfort (Jh.16:7). Life could be a painful mess of challenges, difficulties, limitations, and failures. The soil produces fruit, but often with toil. I often agonize in this mortal frame, but the Spirit lives within me to provide me with comfort. He works to bring Scripture, friendships, and perspective into my mind at just the right time. He loves to engage with me and be the still, small voice of comfort, counsel, and strength at moments of trials or pain.

Counsellor: The Spirit gives Christ’s counsel. Jesus is called the Wonderful Counsellor (Isa. 9:6). The Holy Spirit reminds and teaches us (Jh.14:26); guides us into all truth (Jh.16:13); delivers divine counsel to my life and heart as I open myself to His Word.

Encourager: The Spirit strengthens and sustains me through His ministry of encouragement. Human encouragement can only go so far; but the Holy Spirit lives within His people. He gives inner motivation and reminds me of whom I am. He stirs in me God’s love and grace, and motivates me on to the deeper, sacrificial, meaningful and beautiful things of life.

Helper: The Spirit empowers and equips (Acts 1:8; 1Cor.12:4-7). As my Intercessor, Strengthener, and Standby, He helps my weaknesses in prayer (Rom.8:26). Jesus called Him “another Helper" of the same kind and quality as He was.

We believers need to partner with the Holy Spirit in everyday (2Cor.13:14). It is in such fellowship or partnership with us that He fulfils His roles as Advocate, Comforter, Counsellor, Encourager, Helper, Intercessor, Strengthener, and Standby. We need not try in vain to help ourselves or turn to the wrong places for help. The Holy Spirit lives within us and is ready to help us, as Christ did His disciples. Now unrestricted in space and time, He is available to help us in all aspects of life…24/7!