The Counselor

John 14:15-17

If you love me, obey my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirt, who leads into all truth. The world at large cannot receive him, because it isn't looking for him and doesn't recognize him. But you do, because he lives with you now and later will be in you.

The true test of whether or not we love God is by obeying him. To do the right thing is harder than it seems. It is like the classic scenario of the devil on one shoulder and the angel on the other shoulder whispering in our ear what we should do. Sometimes doing the right thing is harder than doing what we want because it feels good to do what we want. Unfortunately, I have not done the right thing at times and have regretted it. For whatever reason, I was caught up in my own selfish ways and it was easier to do the wrong thing than to do what is right. However, if I love God, I will obey him. When I come to these situations that seem tempting, I have to think about what is right. For example, let's talk about Gossip, seemingly harmless and everyone does it. But is it the right thing to do? No. Sometimes, I don't even realize I am gossiping. What would people think if I said, "We shouldn't be talking about someone when they aren't here"? They would mock me. It's easier just to be stay and laugh and make comments than it is to walk away.

Jesus promises us the Holy Spirit for those who believe and love God. At this point the counselor had not been given to mankind. Jesus was God in the form of man and the Holy Spirit would not come until after Jesus left and returned to heaven. The Holy Spirit is referred to as the counselor, one who will lead us in truth. While Jesus was present, he was the truth, now the Holy Spirit has taken his place and lives in those who believe. Notice how it says, the Holy Spirit will never leave us. Even when we sin, the Holy Spirit is with us always. That is why we feel the grieving of the Holy Spirit in us when we do wrong.