The Holy Spirit Comes Alongside

And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever.

— John 14:16

In the Upper Room, Jesus referred to the Holy Spirit as the “Comforter” four distinct times: in John 14:16, 14:26, 15:26, and John 16:7. This repeated reference to the Holy Spirit that night emphasizes His significance. Jesus’ intention was to profoundly convey the truth of the Holy Spirit’s purpose as a “Comforter,” enabling them to grasp His message.

However, to fully comprehend Jesus’ message, which was not just for the disciples but also for us, we must look to the original Greek language to understand precisely what the word “Comforter” means. “Comforter” is derived from the Greek word “parakletos,” a combination of the words “para” and “kaleo.” 

Let's examine these two Greek words more closely, looking at “para” today and “kaleo” tomorrow.  

The word “para” means “alongside,” suggesting something close in time, space, or relationship. In 1 Timothy 2:2, Paul used the word “para” to describe the close relationship he shared with Timothy. When Paul wrote to Timothy, “…and the things that you have heard of me…,” the Greek word for “of” is “para.” Paul was saying, “Timothy, the things you have heard from me you have learned by coming ‘alongside’ me.” 

Paul and Timothy had spread the message of the Gospel together for many years. Timothy had undoubtedly picked up some of Paul’s ways, traits, and ideas. He probably even sounded a little like his mentor when he delivered his sermons. The close relationship Paul and Timothy shared enabled Paul to have an impact on Timothy's life. This was a natural result of their relationship.

The Holy Spirit, our “comforter,” is always close by us at all times. Our relationship with Him doesn’t have to be a distant one. We don’t have to plead for Him to come because He is already with us. He came at Pentecost. The more time we spend “alongside” Him, the more His ways, traits, and ideas become ours, and the more we draw upon the reality of our new life we have received in Jesus Christ.

The Holy Spirit comes to reside inside us as a guarantee of our salvation the very moment we are saved (2 Corinthians 1:22). Yet, the word “para” used in John 14:16 also reveals that the Holy Spirit comes alongside us to assist us and to bring the truth of Jesus Christ into our lives. From the moment the Holy Spirit comes to live in our hearts, we can continuously rely on His cooperation to help us overcome any handicaps, problems, and disadvantages we might face in life. The Holy Spirit dwells in us as our most dependable ally who empowers and leads us through every step of life.

How do I treat the Holy Spirit? Is He an unseen and hidden guest in my life? How can I possibly not recognize the Comforter the Father has sent to me? He is by my side as my helper in life. How can I ignore this third person of the Trinity that resides within me and comes alongside me? Why wouldn’t I want to come alongside Him and learn from Him? He has been waiting so long to assist me. Today, I open my heart, mind, and soul to His ministry, and I will do my utmost to discern His voice, His leading, and His guidance. With my whole heart, I will pursue His supernatural help to navigate this natural life.

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