Who loves FaceBook Memories? I love when I get the notifications for those everyday. It’s sometimes hilarious, sad or intriguing to see what I posted in the past and how things in my life are either different or the same now. Well, today I opened up the notification and started scrolling through my memories to see this…
Ha! I’m such a nerd! Then, I opened up to read the comments and saw that I had mentioned to a friend that I had planned on posting a blog about how to identify the real comforter. So, seven years later, friends. Here we go!
Many of us go to chocolate, t.v., food, drugs and alcohol, sex, social media or any myriad of other things for comfort when only one thing, or one person rather, is needed. John 14:26 in the Amplified Bible says:
But the Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will help you remember everything that I have told you.
There are definitely more than these three ways to identify the real comforter in our lives, but for today, these are three ways you’ll know and recognize Him:
- He’ll always point to or remind you of God’s truth
- You’ll see fruit in your life
- You’ll always feel you have a choice
The Holy Spirit Shines Jesus
The Holy Spirit will always point to the love and light of Jesus. The Holy Spirit will always remind you of the truth of Jesus (John 14:26). This is real comfort! Jesus is the way the truth and the life (John 14:6)! Elsewhere in the Bible we read that the truth will set us free (John 8:32)! What can possibly be more comforting than that?! Does chocolate, sex outside of marriage or social media point you to that truth? Nope! That’s why even though they may give the appearance of comfort for a little while, it’s shallow and short lived. This is how addictions begin. The fix doesn’t last long enough and you need more and fast.
The Holy Spirit Produces Fruit in Your Life
Galatians 5:22 says the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. If you do not see these manifested in your life, then it’s a real solid indicator that whatever you have “comforting you” is not the Holy Spirit.
If you’re experiencing actions, thoughts and attitudes in your life more along the lines of anger, sadness, anxiety, impatience, rudeness, meanness, hopelessness and you always feel out of control, then consider getting down to the root of what could be feeding all of that and cut it out straight away. And you must depend on the Holy Spirit to help you (Romans 8:13; Galatians 5:16-17).
The Holy Spirit is Not Controlling
Remember as stated above that the Holy Spirit is a Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby) No where does it say He is a dictator, manipulator, controller or will wielder. His fruit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. He is not malicious or crazy.
Fake sources of comfort make us feel we have no choice in anything. I have to eat this chocolate or food because it’ll make me feel better. I have to have sex to feel loved. I need to drink to numb the pain. Social media is where my “real” friends are. You believe the lie so you keep going back to those false comforters.
The Holy Spirit will never make you choose Him and Jesus.  Rather, He’s gentle with you and woos you like someone after the pure beauty of your heart (2 Peter 3:9). I John 4:8 says God is love and 1 Corinthians 13 says “love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”
Friends, the Holy Spirit is not controlling. He loves you and wants you to choose Him of your own volition. No body wants someone to be forced to choose or love them; neither does God and the Holy Spirit.
So, although, I often go to chocolate such as Dove when I’m feeling blue, and it’s a definite bonus to read the little things inside the wrapper, I always go to the real comforter who was manifested as a dove (Matthew 3:16) for the real thing. However, this time I might just give a little more weight to that little inspiration in the wrapper…
You’re right, Dove. It is my call…and although you’ll always be my chocolate of choice, my comfort of choice is the Holy Spirit.
After looking into a number of the articles on your site, I honestly appreciate your way of blogging. Janeczka Benn Ferren
Say, you got a nice article post. Really thank you! Cool. Brande Scottie Harmaning
I think this is one of the most important information for me. Lucille Ad Richie
A great post! Coincidently I just watched Lord of the Rings. Money is definitely the root of racism. Lura Bendick Ferdy
Only wanna state that this is very useful , Thanks for taking your time to write this. Ferdinanda Adair Merilyn
Thank you for the good writeup. It actually used to be a amusement account it. Samaria Eli Adabelle
Hi there mates, pleasant paragraph and fastidious urging commented at this place, I am actually enjoying by these. Jacqui Lin Moffat
Hi! I just want to give you a big thumbs up for the great information you have here on this post. I am coming back to your blog for more soon. Patrica Noe Wanfried
Sweet site, super style and design, really clean and apply genial. Berrie Natty Gobert
I enjoy looking through an article that can make men and women think. Moria Linn Dannye
I enjoy the efforts you have put in this, regards for all the great articles. Catlin North Purvis
I am so grateful for your blog. Really thank you! Much obliged. Lanae Saunderson Raila
I was reading through some of your posts on this website and I conceive this site is really informative ! Retain posting . Jorry Glendon Kalagher
I am extremely impressed with your writing skills as well as with the layout on your weblog. Pia Townie Eaves
Im thankful for the post. Really looking forward to read more. Great. Brooke Fabiano Neve
Thanks again for the blog article. Much thanks again. Keep writing. Daisi Ezra Shelbi
Thanks so much for the article. Much thanks again. Want more. Candi Barr Kirstyn
There is noticeably a lot to realize about this. I assume you made various good points in features also. Marigold Marten Torrey
I randomly stopped by your site but you are really successful Tandi Dion Heigl
Hey there! This is my first comment here so I just wanted to give a quick shout out and say I truly enjoy reading your articles. Can you recommend any other blogs/websites/forums that cover the same subjects? Many thanks! Roda Gerhardt Sholom
Well I sincerely liked studying it. This subject procured by you is very constructive for accurate planning. Heidi Hube Liebman
Hi, I read your new stuff on a regular basis. Your humoristic style is witty, keep up the good work!
thanks so much!
Spot on with this write-up, I actually feel this
website needs a great deal more attention. I’ll probably be returning to see
more, thanks for the information!
Thanks so much for the post.Really thank you!
Normally I don’t read post on blogs, but I would like to say that this write-up very forced me to try and do so! Your writing style has been surprised me. Thanks, quite nice article.
Thanks very nice blog!
Great idea thanks, keep posting.
Wow, wonderful blog layout! How long have you been running a blog for? you make blogging look easy. The full look of your website is wonderful, as smartly as the content!
What’s up, just wanted to mention, I loved this blog post. It was inspiring. Keep on posting!|
Your style is so unique in comparison to other people I have read stuff from. Many thanks for posting when you have the opportunity, Guess I will just bookmark this blog.|
I savor, lead to I discovered just what I was taking a look for. You have ended my four day lengthy hunt! God Bless you man. Have a nice day. Bye|