THe Gentleness of the Spirit...

This week's memory verse:

"Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." Matthew 11:29

I have been going to church in some way my whole life, and the idea of a "holy spirit" or "holy ghost" has always confused me a bit, and I never really understood it. It has only been in the last few years that I have studied, read about it and have come to understand this concept a little more. But, I have a feeling that even though I didn't understand it, God's spirit has been living in me, guiding me, teaching me me and comforting me for years.Since we have been talking about gentleness this week, it is fitting to discuss the gentleness of the Holy Spirit as part of God's plan for communicating and being with his children on earth.

In John 14:16-18, Jesus speaks about the Holy Spirit as a friend, an advocate, called the Spirit of Truth that will be with us forever. When he said this, he was talking with the disciples the night of the last supper. He knew his time with his friends was coming to an end and wanted to comfort, reassure, and prepare them for when he was gone. This act in itself was an act of gentleness and demonstrated how much Jesus cared for his disciples, and for us as well.

Jesus also said that the world doesn't understand the Spirit because they can't see him or know him. People who either don't believe in Jesus, in God or perhaps are searching for what they do believe, may not get the whole idea of a Holy Spirit living in us. I admit, it does sound a bit spooky doesn't it?

But, Jesus realized that this concept may be misunderstood and taught us more about what the Spirit does for us and for God in this world.

John 14:26 - Jesus said that the Spirit will teach us and remind us of the lessons that he taught during his time on earth.

John 16:8 - the Spirit will expose the error of the godless world's view of sin, righteousness and judgment. (could this be why I get so upset when I hear of how much hate, murder, prejudice, mistreatment, unfairness, and other sin there is in my community and in my world? Could the Spirit be leading me to feel how much our world is different to God's vision for his creation?)

John 16:14 - the Spirit glorifies God. He takes lessons from God and delivers it to us.

It comforts me to think of the Spirit of God living in me every minute of my day, teaching me, guiding me, leading me to recognize my sin, comforting me and reminding me of God's promises through Jesus. Don't you think this mirror's the gentleness of our God? He doesn't force us to follow him, believe in him or love him. But when we do believe, God sends us a friend to live with us and be God in our every day.

Father God, thank you for showing me and helping me to better understand your gift of the Holy Spirit. I ask that you allow the Spirit to shine through me so others will see You in me, bringing You the glory that people can see. Amen.