He is a person, not a force
Jesus never called the Holy Spirit an "it." He called Him the Helper, the Advocate, and the Spirit of truth who would be with us forever (John 14:16-17). The Spirit can be grieved (Ephesians 4:30), He speaks (Acts 13:2), and He prays for us when we don't know what to pray (Romans 8:26). Those are things a person does.
That changes how we relate to Him. We don't use the Holy Spirit. We walk with Him, listen to Him, and make room for Him.
What does the Holy Spirit do?
He makes us new. We are born again by the Spirit (John 3:5-8).
He lives in us. Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19).
He teaches and reminds. He guides us into all truth (John 16:13).
He empowers. "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you" (Acts 1:8).
The fruit of the Spirit
The fruit of the Spirit is the character of Jesus growing in us: "love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control" (Galatians 5:22-23). It is one fruit with nine flavors, and it starts with love.
Go deeper: Walking in the Holy Spirit and Producing Love
The gifts of the Holy Spirit
The Spirit gives gifts to every believer for the good of others (1 Corinthians 12:7). Paul lists wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, discerning of spirits, tongues, and interpretation of tongues (1 Corinthians 12:8-10), and Romans 12 adds gifts like serving, teaching, encouraging, giving, and leading.
Go deeper: Understanding the Gifts of the Holy Spirit
What is the baptism of the Holy Spirit?
John the Baptist said Jesus would baptize "with the Holy Spirit and fire" (Matthew 3:11). At Pentecost, the believers were filled with the Spirit and empowered to be witnesses (Acts 2). That filling is still for us today, and we can keep asking to be filled again (Ephesians 5:18).
Go deeper: The Baptism of Water and Fire and Do You Want the Fire?
A prayer you can pray
Holy Spirit, You are welcome here. Thank You that You are with me and in me. Teach me to know Your voice. Grow the fruit of Your character in my life, and fill me again with Your power to love people and follow Jesus. Come, Holy Spirit. In Jesus' name, amen.
