For Catholics, the role and influence of the Holy Spirit is one of the most important aspects of learning the religion. From Bible scriptures and church teachings, the Holy Spirit plays an integral part in understanding the faith and carrying out the teachings in a person's daily life. As years progressed, more people slowly forget the importance of the Holy Spirit in their lives and even forget all about Him in entirety.
Although it may seem understandable that the world has completely changed due to the rapid pace of development, it is quite saddening that the teachings regarding this very important being is slowly disappearing. Change is constant but the information stays the same. Retaining the knowledge and sharing the information about the Holy Spirit's role is important to continue remembering the role He plays in faith, life and future.
This paper would require an extensive research through books and scholarly articles describing the role of the Holy Spirit in the life of a Christian. The first section would depict the Holy Spirit as the beacon in understanding the faith and its teachings. The second part would describe the Holy Spirit as a gift giver. The third section would introduce the Holy Spirit as the key in growing in terms of the spiritual and mental aspect. The fourth section introduces the Holy Spirit as the guide to truth and understanding life in general. The paper would end with a simple reflection on how important the Holy Spirit is and what can be done to always be reminded of the things He has done to every life He has touched. The last part of the paper will also be recommending possible suggestions on how this topic can be discussed further. In beginning this paper, it introduces to use the Holy Spirit as the beacon in allowing us to understand the faith, understand the teachings He wants us to put into heart and how to apply it in daily life.
The Holy Spirit as a Teacher
In reading the Bible and the scriptures may seem to be a little deep to some, with the words that it uses in retelling the story in each book. It is possible that one can know the passages and the hidden meanings behind each line but there is a big chance that one will not be able to distinguish the text as God’s word itself. The Holy Spirit enables each reader or believer to read the Bible in a more personal and close way.
He also opens the mind to fully grasp the meaning of each word God wants us to understand and adhere to. The Holy Spirit also opens up one’s heart and life in understanding what God wills for us.
He also becomes a teacher in such sense that He educates us on how to apply the Word and its teachings in our daily life. Like Christ’s role in His time with his disciples, it is the Holy Spirit that corrects, encourages and reproves Christians in their notions of beliefs and teachings. He also serves as the mentor to understand the relationship to Him and to God the Father and God the Son. From passages from the Book of John, the Holy Spirit is introduced as the being that teaches everything and helps Christians everywhere to retain the teachings and doctrines taught by God to them. Without the Holy Spirit, our knowledge is incomplete as we only grasped the general aspects of everything that involves God.
The Holy Spirit as a Gift-Giver and a Gift
The Holy Spirit can bestow to believers certain gifts within the body of Christ. From the sacrament of Confirmation, these gifts are bestowed upon us. The seven gifts of wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety and fear of the Lord make up these gifts given to us in the sacrament. The gifts given to us by the Holy Spirit enables us to understand and put into heart not only the Word but also the lessons God want us to remember. The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit also helps Christians in living out each day and show God’s love and teachings in their actions. These gifts also fortify the faith of a Christian and instinctively show to God how much we love Him.
The Holy Spirit as a Councilor on Spiritual Growth
In the spiritual aspect, the Holy Spirit’s role in our life is that of a councilor or a spiritual advisor. From the passage in the book of Romans, it stated that “God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit whom He has given us.” It is through the Holy Spirit that one can experience God’s love. He is also the one that makes us aware of the divine love being showered to us by God which then returned ten-fold towards God through the help of the Holy Spirit. He also helps believers to pray according to the will and teachings of God. Since the Holy Spirit is an all-knowing being, He can give us the mind of God in prayer.
In terms of prayer, the Holy Spirit helps people into putting their hearts to what they are saying to God. He puts the burden of prayer on the intercessor and then prays through the intercessor. The Holy Spirit can sense every expression and emotion felt by the intercessor like sighs, tears and unspoken desires. He then translates it into an intelligent petition that God can understand and listen to. In spiritual growth, it is the Holy Spirit that fills one’s life and gives it a lot of meaning. It also serves as the key that kick-start our minds in fully grasping our role as Christians.
The Holy Spirit as a Guide to Life and Truth
The Holy Spirit is well known to be a guide to life and the bringer of truth. Not only does it fills us up with love and teaches us the scriptures, He also shows us what life is like and shows us the truth about life and everything around us. In terms of life, the Holy Spirit prepares everyone in the life beyond death and in life in the present time. He gives us support and through the teachings and scriptures, He shows us that life is short but given the proper guidance and lessons, it can be a meaningful and fulfilling experience that we can put into heart. He is also a friend to Christians as He is always with us. Unlike normal friends that might flee and leave once he or she knows more about whom you are, the Holy Spirit is that special friend that no matter whom you are and what your history is, He will never leave your side.
Introducing and showing the truth is another role of the Holy Spirit in a Christian’s life. The presence of the Holy Spirit within us allows us to understand and interpret the Word of God. He is the one who convinces us who Christ really is. From Christ’s birth, His being the Messiah, His suffering, His death and resurrection to His exaltation; it is the Holy Spirit who shows us that these facts are real and true. It is also the Holy Spirit that enables us to understand the whole counsel of God in terms of worship, doctrine and living as a Christian. This solidifies His role as the ultimate guide in moving around life and making things plain and clear. Without Him, one may get lost and eventually make sins and errors.
Conclusion
The importance of the Holy Spirit in terms of its role in a Christian’s life is crucial as He guides us in every aspect of life. He opens up the hearts of believers, showers them with love and guidance and He fills us up with hope, courage and peace. In every challenge we face in life, God guides us through the Holy Spirit, thus making us feel that we are not alone. It is true that life constantly changes and develops but the teachings and lessons God wants us to follow and understand will always be there. For those who follow and believe in the faith, he or she must try to give some time in refreshing up what we know about the scriptures and teachings of the Lord and even give some time in talking with Him in the most sincerest and personal way possible. For those who don’t believe, give some time in understand the faith so that you can understand the beliefs of those who believe and bring you all closer.
The topic itself is very specific but given more time to study about it, one may be able to discover other roles of the Holy Spirit in a Christian’s life which have not been mentioned in this paper. A possible research on what the Holy Spirit is and a little history regarding His role in every aspect can add other insights on how important He really is. It is also important to distinguish a passage that defines the role the Holy Spirit plays in each part of a Christian’s life and it can give meaning to His involvement in each life He touches.
Works Cited
Binz, Stephen. Introduction to the Bible: A Catholic Guide To Studying Scripture. Minnesota:
Liturgical Press, 2007. Print.
Cantalamessa, Raniero. Come, Creator Spirit: meditations on the Veni Creator. Minnesota:
Liturgical Press, 2003. Print.
Erickson, Millard. Introducing Christian Doctrine. Michigan: Baker Publishing Group, 2001.
Hastings, Henry. "The Role of the Holy Spirit in the Life of the Believer." Chafer Theological
Seminary Pastor's Conference. Atlanta: Archangel Ministries, Inc., 2006. 1-16. Print.
Houdmann, Michael. Got Questions?: Bible Questions Answered - Answers to the Questions
People Are Really Asking. Washington: WinePress Publishing, 2009. Print.
Houston, James. The Prayer: Deepening Your Friendship with God. Colorado: David C. Cook
Publishing, 2007. Print.
Linzey, Verna. The Baptism with the Holy Spirit. Michigan: Xulon Press, 2004. Print.
Woodard, Judith. The Holy Spirit and Prayer. Michigan: Xulon Press, 2006. Print.
