Designed for Friendship

The company we keep influences our lives and the lives of those around us. Who we spend our time with and the voices we listen to will have a profound effect on our lives.

We are designed to live in relationship with others, but even more importantly we are designed for friendship with Holy Spirit. In John 16:7 Jesus says, “ I will send Him to you to be in close fellowship with you.” There’s an open invitation to you and me to know Holy Spirit as a close friend. We are designed to recognize his voice and know his presence in our lives. He’s the one sent to teach us about Jesus and draw us to the Father. He’s the one who intercedes for us with groanings ( Romans 8:26) because he loves us that much and longs for us to know the freedom that is ours in Jesus. Holy Spirit is the one who reminds us of our true identity as deeply loved sons and daughters just as he did for Jesus at his baptism. As Jesus came out of the water, the Spirit descended like a dove and a voice from Heaven said, “you are my beloved son in whom I’m well pleased” ( Matthew 3:16-17)

Holy Spirit is so important that Jesus told his disciples in Acts 1 not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for Holy Spirit. We are meant to minister with him always. He promises us power to minister in our own spheres of influence and to the ends of the earth. He promises to be our comforter and counselor.

When we live life in this beautiful friendship, we will experience deep refreshing and soul healing. We will know a supernatural peace that’s not dependent on our circumstances, because in his presence there is peace. We will no longer doubt Gods love for us because we will hear Holy Spirit reminding us that we are much loved sons and daughters. In our times of pain, we will know his comfort and when we need direction and wisdom, our wonderful counselor will lead us in truth.

As friends of Holy Spirit, others will experience his nature of peace and joy, hope and kindness through us. We will set people free and tell of the favor of the Lord because the Spirit of the Lord is on us. (Luke 4:18)

I want to encourage you to lean in to know him more by spending time in environments where Holy Spirit is honored. Ask him to teach you as you read the word and to give you words of encouragement for others.

Let’s be those who RSVP yes to this magnificent and life changing invitation to walk in close fellowship with Holy Spirit. Let’s step into this relationship that we are designed to enjoy.

“However, I am telling you nothing but the truth when I say it is profitable (good, expedient, advantageous) for you that I go away. Because if I do not go away, the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Advocate, Intercessor, Strengthener, Standby) will not come to you [into close fellowship with you]; but if I go away, I will send Him to you [to be in close fellowship with you].” - John‬ ‭16:7‬ ‭AMPC‬‬