Living the Good News

A discussion on the identity and role of the Holy Ghost in our lives.

Ever find yourself questioning how to discern the voice of the Spirit amidst life’s dissonance? Well, today we’re diving deep into the often misunderstood yet invaluable companion on our spiritual journey—the Holy Ghost. We’ll explore who He is, unravel the multiple roles He plays, and offer insights into nurturing a more profound relationship with Him, which in turn enriches our connection with Jesus Christ.

Identity of the Holy Ghost

The Holy Ghost is the third member of the Godhead, joining Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ in a unified divine purpose. As described in John 14:16-17, He is another “Comforter” and the “Spirit of Truth.” Unlike the Father and the Son, who have physical bodies of flesh and bone, the Holy Ghost is a personage of Spirit. As Doctrine and Covenants 84:45-46 articulates, He is the light of Christ, illuminating our lives. This unique characteristic allows Him

He’s often known by different titles, such as the Spirit, the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of God, the Spirit of the Lord, or the Comforter. Each title emphasizes a different facet of His divine role and attributes. Equal in power and glory to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, the Holy Ghost is all-knowing, all-powerful, ever-present, and perfect in His love for us.

The Holy Ghost is not just an abstract concept; He has a tangible impact on our lives. Acts 1:8 explains that we receive power when the Holy Ghost comes upon us, enabling us to be witnesses of Christ.  And 2 Nephi 32:5  explains The Spirit also helps us in our day-to-day decision-making. As the Holy Ghost, it will show unto you all things what ye should do.

After baptism, the gift of the Holy Ghost is bestowed upon individuals through the laying on of hands by someone holding the priesthood authority. This enables the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost, as long as the recipient remains worthy of it. Doctrine and Covenants 8:2-3 provides insight into this companionship, explaining that the Spirit helps us discern between right and wrong.

Understanding the nature and role of the Holy Ghost is foundational for a more complete grasp of the Godhead and for our own spiritual journey.

How would you describe your current understanding of the Holy Ghost’s role in the Godhead?

Role of the Holy Ghost

The Holy Ghost’s role is to comfort, guide, testify, teach, and sanctify. He is often described as the messenger or the communication link between God and man, confirming truth and offering divine insights. It’s through the Holy Ghost that personal revelation is received. His influence can be subtle, often described as a “still, small voice,” or it can be strong and enveloping, but it is always gentle, inviting us to choose the right.

Here are some of the Roles the Holy Ghost plays in our life:

• Testifying of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ: As Acts 1:8 elucidates, the Holy Ghost provides power to make us witnesses for Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. He is our primary witness of the divine and can help us develop and strengthen our own testimonies of Them.
• Teacher: When we engage in scriptural study or gospel discussion, the Holy Ghost, as stated in Doctrine and Covenants 11:12-13, can reveal all that is needful for us to know. Concepts that were once confusing can suddenly become clear. Insights may flow as if a veil has been lifted, giving new depth to our gospel understanding.
• Guide: Navigating the complexities of life requires a moral compass. As Moroni 10:4 teaches, the Holy Ghost can show us all things we should do, aiding us in making choices that align with God’s will. By heeding the “still small voice,” our decisions become more inspired and our paths straighter.
• Revealing Truth: Doctrine and Covenants 8:2-3 reminds us that the Holy Ghost helps us discern between right and wrong. He can reveal truth to us about the world around us and about ourselves. When you hear or read something true, especially concerning the divinity of Christ or the restored gospel, the Holy Ghost can give you a sense of burning conviction.
• Comforter: In times of trial or sorrow, the Holy Ghost, described as the “Comforter” in John 14:16-17, can envelop us in a sense of peace and well-being. This is not just a psychological state but a spiritual assurance that Heavenly Father is aware of us, loves us, and will sustain us through our difficulties.
• Sanctifier: As part of our lifelong journey to become more like Christ, 3 Nephi 27:20  states that the Holy Ghost can sanctify us. He prompts us to repent, abandon ungodly habits, and adopt Christlike attributes.

Each of these roles is interconnected, and understanding them can offer a richer, more fulfilling spiritual life. When composing your blog, you might consider using personal experiences or scriptural accounts to illustrate these roles, making the abstract concept of the Holy Ghost more tangible for your readers.

In your own life, in which role have you most completely felt the Holy Ghost – Comforter, Guild, Teacher, etc.?

Can you recall a moment when the Holy Ghost acted as a “Messenger” for you?

Recognizing the Spirit’s Influence

How Does the Spirit Feel?

• Peace and Comfort: Feeling serene often signals the Spirit’s presence, providing assurance and easing concerns.
• Clarity and Understanding: When influenced by the Spirit, previously confusing matters may suddenly become clear.
• Warmth or Burning in the Bosom: Some describe experiencing a warm feeling in the chest when they perceive the Spirit testifying of the truth.
• Joy and Optimism: The presence of the Spirit often brings a sense of happiness and hope.
• Motivation to Act: The Spirit can prompt us to perform acts of service or to make specific choices.
• Conscience: Feeling guilty when in the wrong and peaceful when following the commandments are indicators of the Spirit’s guidance.

How Do I Recognize the Spirit?

• Alignment with Gospel Principles: The Spirit’s promptings never conflict with the teachings of Jesus Christ or His prophets.
• Repeated Impressions: The same prompting occurring multiple times can serve as divine confirmation.
• Confirmation through Prayer: Praying for confirmation can further affirm if your feelings are indeed from the Spirit.
• Scriptural Consistency: If your impressions align with the doctrines found in the scriptures, it’s a strong indicator they’re from the Spirit.
• The Fruits of the Spirit: As outlined in Galatians 5:22-23, if your feelings or actions result in love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, or faith, they’re likely influenced by the Spirit.

Ways to Invite the Spirit

• Prayer: Open your heart in sincere prayer to invite the Spirit into your life.
• Scripture Study: Delve into the scriptures; they’re a conduit through which the Spirit can enlighten you.
• Obedience: Abiding by the commandments enhances your receptivity to the Spirit’s promptings.
• Service: When you serve others, you’re emulating Christ’s love and naturally inviting the Spirit.
• Worship: Participation in church meetings and sacrament services can draw you closer to the Spirit.

Additional Tips to Feel the Spirit

• Sing hymns to invite the Spirit through melodies of praise.
• Attend church meetings to commune with others and learn about the gospel, thus creating an atmosphere where the Spirit can dwell.
• Spend time in nature; it can be a tranquil setting where the Spirit is felt.
• Study the words of modern-day prophets and apostles to connect with the Spirit.
• Trust your intuition. Listening to your own thoughts and feelings can make you more attuned to the Spirit’s guidance.

Each individual may experience the Spirit differently—it’s a personal journey, foundational to growing in the gospel and deepening your spiritual life.

Do you have any personal strategies for recognizing when the Spirit is prompting you?

Jayden has been called on a lot recently to answer gospel questions for his friends. I think it’s his easygoing nature that people can connect with, or maybe it’s the glow of preparing for a mission. At some point in the last few weeks, someone asked how to know if they are feeling the spirit or something else. My insightful boy remembered a lesson one of his seminary teachers gave and in that lesson, they discussed a devotional Elder David A. Bednar gave to the missionaries at the Provo Missionary Training Center in 2009 titled Quit worrying about it. Is it the Holy Ghost or me?

Elder Bednar’s insights offer a profound understanding of how to recognize the Spirit’s influence in our lives. He cautions against overthinking spiritual impressions, urging us to “quit worrying” about whether a thought or feeling is our own or comes from the Holy Ghost. Instead, he emphasizes the importance of pressing forward with faith in Jesus Christ. As he puts it, “Get going and you’ll be alright!” Elder Bednar also reminds us that living the gospel faithfully each day is critical for becoming attuned to the Spirit. In his words, “You be a good boy. You be a good girl. You honor your covenants. Keep the commandments.” He advocates for gradual spiritual growth, noting that we should be making “gradual, steady, incremental progress in thinking what Christ would think and in doing what He would do.” This gradual journey also leaves room for divine orchestration, as evidenced by the spiritually aligned messages delivered during General Conference, which he describes as “orchestrated by heaven.” Lastly, he reassures us that if we are living righteously, we can consider every good thought as inspired by the Holy Ghost. By internalizing these teachings, we can proactively navigate our spiritual journey, becoming more receptive to the Spirit’s guidance.

How do Elder Bednar’s insights resonate with your personal experiences of recognizing the Holy Ghost’s influence?

Let us then commit to seeking and recognizing the Spirit in our lives, building upon the foundation we have in Christ. It starts with the simple things: prayer, scripture study, and obedience. As Elder Bednar emphasizes, quit worrying about whether the inspiration comes from the Holy Ghost or yourself. Act in faith, and you will see the hand of God manifest in your life. The Lord has blessed us with this divine gift, and it is our responsibility to embrace it fully. Make it a goal to create a spiritual journal, noting down experiences where you’ve felt the Spirit’s influence. Test these experiences against the principles and teachings we’ve explored today and continually strive to align your will with that of Heavenly Father.

Conclusion

Understanding the Holy Ghost is not just a doctrinal exercise but a practical guide to living a fulfilling and spiritually rich life. We are promised countless blessings, and divine assistance through this member of the Godhead. As we strive to become more like our Savior, Jesus Christ, let us actively seek the companionship of the Holy Ghost. It’s not just about feeling comforted or guided; it’s about becoming more Christlike in our thoughts, actions, and character. By continually inviting the Spirit into our lives, we will find ourselves becoming stronger witnesses of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, empowered to navigate the complexities of mortality.