Who is the Holy Spirit? how to know we’ve heard it

Talking about the Holy Spirit might seem like a strange post for Christmas, but remember, we are getting ready to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Jesus is one part of the Triune God. So is the Holy Spirit. They were all there that night. How, I don’t know, but neither does anyone else.

the Holy Spirit shown as a white dove

Open hearts and the Holy Spirit

Anyway, maybe this time of year, we should be more sensitive to the Spirit’s voice because hearts are often more open during the Holidays, some because of happiness and some because of sadness. But if you’re like me, you might not always recognize Spirit’s voice.

Some examples

I was talking to a neighbor whose husband is having some serious health struggles. She does not profess faith. As we were talking, I clearly heard the words, “Pray with her,” and knew instantly it was the prompting of the Spirit. I prayed with her.

Fast-forward a few weeks. I had planned to connect with a grieving friend. But I put it off for a few hours and then felt the need to text her. I did. This woman is a strong believer and a strong woman overall. I’ve never seen any vulnerability in her, which did bother me, I might add. It kept me from being as authentic with her as I’d wanted to be at times.

Anyway, I texted her, and her response was surprisingly open and vulnerable. I knew once again that the Spirit was behind my actions. But I’m not always that receptive. Sometimes, I haven’t listened, and when that happens, I almost always know it was a mistake not to act.

Because this is a season of seeking hearts, I think the Spirit might be working overtime. And we need to be very sensitive.

What is true of the Holy Spirit

I’ve already explained that the Holy Spirit is an equal part of the Trinity. But this is a big subject, and I think it might very well be the subject of my next book. I want to learn as much about the Holy Spirit as I can. But there is one statement I can make that I know to be true.

As Jesus promised, the Holy Spirit’s job is to lead and guide us. He does that primarily by prompting us with Scripture. The Spirit is never behind any promptings to do anything contrary to God’s will. Therefore, knowing Scripture is paramount to hearing the Spirit’s voice.

There is much more, though. Like, can we really know it’s the spirit’s voice and not our own thoughts? The answer is, “yes”. It’s important to understand that while our minds can often confuse our inner dialogues with spiritual guidance, true inspiration tends to resonate at a deeper level, guiding us toward positive actions.

Remember, if we’re being prompted to do something good for someone and it aligns with God’s will, we should proceed with confidence. Acts of kindness, compassion, and generosity often reflect that divine inspiration, and we don’t always have to wait to hear a “voice.” Too many people do that, getting caught in a cycle of uncertainty when, in reality, the call to action often comes as a gentle nudge within us, encouraging us to act in accordance with our values and beliefs.

A season of open hearts

woman being kind to another woman//Holy Spirit

Be sensitive to the Spirit’s voice this season, for it often guides us to be a source of comfort and love for others during times of need. I’ll bet you know someone who is quietly struggling and could greatly benefit from your presence—whether it’s through prayer, a heartfelt visit, or a simple phone call.

This season of Christmas, while joyous, also carries with it a weight of loneliness for many, a feeling that can be particularly poignant in the midst of celebrations. I know a number of individuals who find themselves feeling isolated and forgotten at this time of year. Therefore, I want to be especially attuned to the Spirit’s promptings myself, seeking opportunities to reach out and offer support to those in need, honoring the true essence of the season by spreading kindness and warmth in every interaction.

I hope your week is going well as you prepare for Christmas. If you concentrate on hearing the Holy Spirit, I believe there will be many opportunities to share God’s love with others.

God bless.