Holy Spirit Mondays: Fighting Evil & Falsehood

A short reflection to help you deepen your relationship with the Holy Spirit.

Read:

"Illumination: 'That you may declare the wonderful deeds of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light' (1 Pt. 2:9).

"Understanding: 'I bless the Lord who gives me counsel' (Ps. 16:7), for the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of guidance and understanding.

"Knowledge of the principles of truth: This is one of the essential attributes of the nature of the Holy Spirit and it is acquired by those who cleave to the Lord: 'The Spirit of truth who teaches you all things' (Jn. 16:13). 'The Lord God has given me the tongue of those who are taught, that I may know how to sustain with a word him that is weary' (Is. 50:4).

"Inner alertness of the heart: 'Morning by morning He wakens, He wakens my ear to hear as those who are taught. The Lord God has opened my ear, and I was not rebellious, I turned not backward' (Is. 50:4,5)."

"The Holy Spirit grants [these attributes to bear] witness to truth against falsehood and all the powers of evil, so that they may live by them in perfect enlightenment, understanding, knowledge, and alertness, perceiving not only evil itself, but all that resembles evil. When these qualities exist in us, they are the practical evidence of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit (Matthew the Poor, The Communion of Love, pp. 193-4)."

Ponder:

Think about this: when we are baptized in water and spirit, and believe in Christ, the Holy Spirit gives us special qualities to recognize and resist evil. So, ask yourself ...

Do I seek truth? Do I speak up for myself and others? Do I defend the faith? Do I resist evil?

Pray:

"Most Holy Spirit, save me from myself and sanctify me."

Ask:

If you have a question or a prayer request, please reach out here.

A Coptic Orthodox icon of Pentecost.

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