And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— the Spirit of truth.
Back in the beginning, way back in Genesis 3, we are told the story of What Went Wrong. In verse 5 we hear the Serpent telling Eve that if she ate the Forbidden Fruit, “… you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” What the Serpent didn’t tell Eve was that she would not be able to tell the difference. It is a small detail, but very important.
Jesus calls the Serpent, “…a liar and the father of lies.” (John 8:44) The purpose of a lie is to deceive. Not being all-knowing like God, we are easily deceived. We see the lies, we just can’t tell the difference between what is true and what is not true.
For us to be able to know the difference between truth and lies requires that we look to God. Proverbs reminds us:
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,
but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
(Proverbs 1: 7)
Now the Lord has come to us! After redeeming us through His death on the cross, he ascends to heaven and sends us “another advocate;” the Spirit of truth. God’s definition of truth is the only one that really matters. His Spirit of truth is the antidote for our inability to discern truth from lies. God, Himself, shows us the difference.
Let’s Discuss: How has the Spirit of truth changed your understanding of what is true and what is a lie?
The Spirit illuminates the truth of God’s word to our spirit so that we can discern things from God’s perspective. I have a feeling that I may not even be aware how much the Spirit has changed my understanding of what is truth and what is a lie. I probably take His influence for granted. But I am thankful for Him – The Spirit is my paraclete – my battle friend, my counselor, my defender, my advocate.
If my actions are unrighteous, I have a sense of dissatisfaction or guilt. My soul doesn’t feel at peace or at rest, and I desire to make things right.
The Spirit helps me better discern and evaluate my own intentions.
The Spirit has helped me to see that all of God’s word is true and inspired, and beyond this…living.