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Holy Spirit The Counsellor
Names of the Holy Spirit Series – Week 2
“But the Counsellor, the Holy Spirit,
whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind
you of everything I have said to you.”
— John 14:26.
Who Is the Counsellor?
The title “Counsellor” emerges from
Jesus’ farewell discourse in John’s Gospel — spoken on the eve of His Passion.
He speaks tenderly to the disciples, who are troubled by the thought of His
departure. And into that moment of fear and uncertainty, Jesus promises “another
Counsellor” (John 14:16), implying that He Himself has been the first.
In Greek, the term is Paraklētos
— meaning one who is called alongside to help, to plead, to comfort, to
strengthen, or to guide. In Latin, this becomes Consolator, and in
English, “Counsellor,” “Comforter,” or “Advocate.”
The Holy Spirit as Counsellor is more
than a therapist or advice-giver. He is a divine companion — the very
Spirit of Jesus — who remains with us and within us, guiding us through every
circumstance of life with divine wisdom.
The Spirit Who Walks Beside Us with
Wisdom
When Jesus promised to send the Holy
Spirit, He called Him the Counsellor — the one who would teach, remind,
guide, and strengthen. This title in the Greek is Paraklētos,
a legal term for one who advocates or defends. But Counsellor goes
further than a courtroom image. It speaks to a deeper intimacy — a wise and
trustworthy friend who helps us discern God’s will, especially in confusing or
emotionally difficult times.
The Holy Spirit does not just drop in
occasionally to give advice. He dwells within us — as both guide and
companion, helping us see the bigger picture and drawing our attention back
to Christ when we are overwhelmed, uncertain, or weary.
And unlike human counsellors, the Spirit
knows us more deeply than we know ourselves. He knows our wounds, our gifts,
our blind spots, and our unique calling. He works not just at the surface but
in the depths of our soul.
A Quiet Voice that Illuminates the Path
The Spirit as Counsellor does not shout
or demand. He whispers truth with clarity and conviction — often when we
finally become quiet enough to hear. Have you ever experienced a moment of
peace that gently settled into your heart after prayer? Or a subtle shift in
perspective that brought healing to a long-held hurt? That was the Spirit at
work — not pushing, but inviting.
In the stillness of prayer, in the
reading of Scripture, and in the wise words of a spiritual friend, the
Counsellor moves. His direction is never manipulative. Rather, it is deeply respectful
of our freedom, even while always drawing us toward life and truth.
“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a
light on my path.” — Psalm
119:105.
What Kind of Counselling Does the Holy
Spirit Offer?
The
Spirit counsels not just through moral instruction or spiritual nudges, but
through deep transformation of the heart and mind. His counsel is always rooted
in:
- Truth
Jesus names the Spirit the “Spirit of Truth” (John 16:13). His counsel is never manipulative, vague, or self-serving. The Holy Spirit unveils truth that sets us free — truth about God, about ourselves, and about the world. - Memory
The Spirit “will remind you of all that I have said to you.” This is more than mental recall. The Spirit brings the words and presence of Jesus to life in the heart of the believer. He helps us live from the memory of grace. - Wisdom
for the Present
In discerning decisions, the Spirit counsels us toward what aligns with God’s will, peace, and integrity. Unlike human wisdom, the Spirit’s counsel can see what lies ahead — gently steering us even when we don't understand the full picture. - Companionship
As Counsellor, the Holy Spirit is not distant. He abides with us in silence and struggle, rejoicing and rebuilding. His presence offers the counsel of peace, even before it offers the counsel of answers.
The Counsellor in the
Life of the Church
Throughout the centuries,
the Church has looked to the Spirit for counsel — in synods, councils, and
confessions. The Spirit has been described as the “soul of the Church,” guiding
its leaders and saints not only in doctrine but in holiness and compassion.
In the sacraments —
especially Confirmation — the Spirit is invoked as Counsellor, bringing
the sevenfold gifts of Isaiah 11:2–3: wisdom, understanding, counsel,
fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord. Among these, counsel
is the gift by which we are led to choose rightly and act courageously.
“When He, the Spirit of
truth, comes, He will guide you into all truth.”
— John 16:13
How Do We Receive His Counsel?
To be counselled by the Spirit means
learning the language of stillness and trust. His counsel is subtle — never
forced, often gentle, and always in harmony with Scripture and Church teaching.
To receive His counsel:
- Make
space for silence
after prayer or Scripture.
- Ask
for the gift of counsel
— it is yours by baptism and confirmation.
- Pay
attention to what
brings peace or unease.
- Be
willing to wait.
The Spirit's timing is perfect.
Counselling Us Through Life’s Questions
Sometimes we want the Spirit’s counsel
for the big decisions: Should I take that job? Should I speak up in this
situation? But just as often, the Spirit is ready to counsel us through the daily
grind — how we respond to frustration, how we offer compassion, how we
resist the temptation to speak harshly.
The Spirit as Counsellor helps us
navigate conversations with gentleness, challenges with perseverance, and
decisions with a sense of peace rather than panic.
We do not have to have it all figured
out. We just need to keep the lines of communication open — to pray, to pause,
and to trust that the Spirit is always working, even when answers take time.
Reflection Questions
- Where in
your life do you need the Spirit’s counsel right now?
- What
area feels confusing, and have you invited the Holy Spirit into it?
- Are you
open to hearing His wisdom — even if it comes in unexpected ways?
- In what
situations do I most need the Holy Spirit’s counsel right now?
- When
have I experienced the Spirit’s guidance before — even subtly?
- Am I
open to counsel that corrects me, as well as comforts me?
Scriptures to Pray With This Week
- John
14:26 – The Spirit
will teach and remind.
- Romans
8:26-27 – The
Spirit intercedes for us with groans too deep for words.
- Isaiah
11:2 – The Spirit
of wisdom and understanding.
- James
1:5 – Ask for
wisdom, and it will be given.
A
Prayer to the Holy Spirit as Counsellor
Come, Holy Spirit, Counsellor divine.
Speak to my heart with the voice of love and wisdom.
Remind me of all that Jesus taught and did.
Guide me in my decisions and in my silence.
Strengthen my heart when I am tired or discouraged.
Teach me how to counsel others with compassion,
as You continue to counsel me.
Amen.
Alternatively you may prefer a shorter
version
Come,
Holy Spirit, Counsellor and Friend.
Speak into the noise of our lives with your still, small voice.
Counsel us in ways that draw us closer to truth, to peace, and to Jesus. Amen.
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