Understanding the Holy Spirit

Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit. And 
there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord. And 
there are varieties of effects, but the same God who 
works all things in all persons. —1 Corinthians 12:4-6

The Holy Spirit’s personality has many facets. He is a person, and just as you and I experience different emotions and express ourselves in diverse ways, so does the Holy Spirit. But He never moves outside of God’s Word, or exalts or calls attention to the flesh.

When I was taught this truth in Bible school, I began to understand the personality of the Holy Spirit in a whole new way. I also began to understand why people have so many different responses during a worship service, a prayer group or any other meeting.

Have you ever been in a service where the power of the Holy Spirit was so present and sweet that you felt like everyone should just be still, reverencing the Lord? Then you turned to the person standing next to you and realized that he. instead, was full of joy and excitement. He just wanted to sing, clap or move about. And you wanted to say, “Shh, don’t you know that the presence of the Lord is in this place?” He, on the other hand, didn’t understand why you were so somber. Perhaps both of you thought the other was missing the move ofthe Spirit; however, the Holy Spirit was operating in a different facet through each of you. Isn’t this contrary to the character and harmony of the Lord? No! For example, men and women in the Church do not all look alike, dress alike, talk alike or act alike. Neither do they act or look the same every day; they change day to day. The same is true with the Spirit of the Lord in you. As you yield to Him, the Holy Spirit will choose to move through you as He desires.

Excerpt from Chapter 5 (Understanding the Holy Spirit) of “Becoming a Prayer Warrior” by Elizabeth Alves