“But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” John 14:26 

I have an educator colleague who says “Teaching is 90% reminding”.

Maybe that’s especially true in the case of the Holy Spirit. His job contains a LOT of reminding! Reminding us who we are in Christ, that the work has been done on the cross, and that we are loved and accepted after we sin because Jesus paid it all. Also reminding us to think and act as those who are redeemed.

See, both the Holy Spirit and the enemy of God make us aware of our sin. The difference is what they lead us to DO with that information.

Satan, the Accuser, will whisper “You’ve sinned, God doesn’t want to have anything to do with you – run the other way!” This is guilt.

The Holy Spirit, the Advocate, will say “You’ve sinned, and you are so loved, forgiveness is waiting – run back into the arms of the Father”. This is holy conviction.

One uses shame to send you further away , the other uses conviction to draw you near. The key is learning to recognize the difference, isn’t it? (Thanks to Tim Keller for this thought).

Raise your hand if the Holy Spirit has ever convicted you of wrongdoing. (My hand is waaay up!) But the Holy Spirit is more interested in your next move than the one in the rear view mirror.

When the accuser comes to remind you of your most recent failings, trying to convince you not to pray or worship because you aren’t worthy…

…and then the next thought is of God’s great love and limitless forgiveness…

…that is the work of the Holy Spirit.

We don’t pivot that easily on our own. 

The Comforter, Helper, Teacher, Advocate…he sends the deceiver packing.

He silences the lies, beckoning us to come closer to the Father. This happened for me this morning. A rapid u-turn in my thoughts. Thank you Holy Spirit, for the way you speak!

Praying for more and more of the Holy Spirit’s work in me and in you…my friends.