There is a basic doctrine in the Christian faith concerning the triune nature of God or trinity. Trinity is a compound word of tri meaning three and unity meaning together.
Now try not to over think this. I know when we teach this concept, the Godhead is often separated so it is easier to explain. We teach about God the Father, who planned for and created all things in love, God the Son, who showed us the Father’s love by living among us and giving Himself for us, and God the Holy Spirit who lives in us, equipping us to show God’s love to others.
But Jesus said, “I and my Father are one,” (John 10:30), and Paul noted that the “fullness of the Godhead” dwelled bodily in Christ (Col. 2:9). So where one member of the trinity is, the others must be also.
As the third member of the trinity, the Holy Spirit’s role has taken different forms throughout history, but His ultimate purpose, like the Father’s and the Son’s, has always been relationship. God began pursuing relationship with us in the Garden, but He gives us the choice of reciprocation.
Now it is important for us to understand that the Holy Spirit is a person, not an object or force. He does not come in pints, quarts or gallons!
The trinity is the highest example of unity in relationship. Each member has equal value, unique roles, but a unified purpose. The Holy Spirit’s role is to point us to Jesus so we can see God for who He truly is—a Father who loves us, who has given everything that we might know Him, and who desires that we experience His goodness.
The Holy Spirit is the “Spirit of Truth.” He is our helper, our counselor, our guide. He teaches us who we are and helps us fulfill God’s plan for our lives.
Wendell Parr
Charis Instructor
