The Comforting Ministry of the Holy Spirit

It is only within the context of the unconditional love of God (demonstrated in and through the life and ministry of Jesus Christ) that we are able to have a healthy biblical understanding of the purpose and present-day ministry of the Holy Spirit.

This is probably one of the most comforting promises Jesus ever made—the promise that He would not leave us as orphans, without a family or belonging! He promised that He would send us another Comforter. This Comforter is the Spirit of Truth, the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of God!

I have told you these things while I am still with you. But the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, Whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will cause you to recall (will remind you of, bring to your remembrance) everything I have told you.

John 14:25-26 AMP

Unfortunately, so much of the teaching and understanding that we have been exposed to concerning the purpose and ministry of the Holy Spirit has caused many people to directly or indirectly fear His ministry or see His ministry as spooky, mystical, and sometimes even irrational.

As a result, a large portion of the church (Christians) has been convinced that the negative, convicting and condemning emotions they experience in their daily lives is the work of the Holy Spirit. When in reality, it is not God dealing with them through the Holy Spirit at all. 

Negative, convicting, guilty emotions are not the work of the Holy Spirit!