John 14:16-17 NIV – ‘And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept Him, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him. But you know Him, for He lives with you and will be in you.’
John 16:7 NIV – ‘But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you.’
Christ washed the disciples’ feet, celebrated the last supper with them and then — after Judas Iscariot left — He introduced the Holy Spirit. Jesus used a special title in reference to the Holy Spirit; He called Him another Advocate.
The role of an advocate is crucial in times when you need support, someone to speak up for you, or a plea on your behalf. The Holy Spirit does not accuse or condemn us. Instead, He convicts us to hate sin, lawlessness, and rebellious living. He helps to align our hearts with godliness and right living.
The Holy Spirit goes above and beyond advocating for us, especially when the accuser torments us with guilt. Romans 8:16 tells us that the Holy Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.
So when the accuser comes to accuse us, The Holy Spirit steps in to encourage and remind us that we belong to Him. The Holy Spirit is our defense attorney, counselor, comforter, helper, companion, and friend. He is always our present help in times of need, whether it be at a crossroad, stop sign, detour, dead end, yield sign or any other sign post on our journey of life.
Have you been betrayed or accused falsely? Are you in need of an advocate and a friend? Are you trapped in the guilt of a past or present sinful lifestyle? Repent, confess it, and move on with an assurance that you have a ‘not guilty’ verdict because of your advocate with the Father–Jesus Christ, the Righteous One (1 John 2:1).
PRAYER: Holy Spirit, help me to know that You are my very present help in time of need. Remind me that I always have an advocate in You. Help me to continue fellowshipping with You so that the fruits of Your Spirit in Galatians 5:22 can be evident in my life and evident to those all around me in Jesus name.