The Comforter

John 14:26, But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

In this passage, Jesus promised the gift of the Holy Spirit to His apostles (and ultimately to the whole world). He described the Holy Spirit with the term parakletos, (παράκλητος, Strong's Number 3875). 

Parakletos is a compound word: para (παρά, Strong’s Word 3844) which means near or beside and kaleō (καλέω, Strong’s Word 2564) which means to call or to bid.  The term is translated many different ways including Comforter, Helper, and Advocate. Its parts literally mean, “Called beside.” This paints a picture of the Holy Spirit as One who stands beside us, helping us, encouraging us, and comforting us. It’s a marvelous picture of the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives.

As I was reading 1 Thessalonians 4, where Paul mentions the Rapture of the Church, Paul concludes his thoughts with this, “Wherefore comfort one another with these words” (1 Thessalonians 4:18).   The word comfort sort of leapt out at me.  I looked up the Greek word being used and saw that it was parakaleō (παρακαλέω, Strong’s Word 3870) which is the verb form of parakletos (the same way “drive” would be the verb of “driver” in English).  

I thought it was interesting that the same word used to describe the Holy Spirit would be used to command Christians how to act.  What He is to us, we are also commanded to be to one another: helpers, comforters, and advocates. We are to stand beside them, encouraging them, just as the Holy Spirit stands by us. To be sure, we are poor shadows of the True Spirit but we are called to comfort, help, and encourage notwithstanding.

So how do we go about this task? I suggest we should let the Spirit be our Guide. See again what Jesus said of the Spirit:

He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

Wow, Paul’s instructions are similar to what Jesus said of the Spirit: “Comfort one another with these words.”  That’s how we can be a comfort to others, by reminding them of the words of Jesus.

Do you know someone who is struggling in a relationship?  Tell them what the Bible says!

Is there a parent in despair over a wayward child?  Tell them what the Bible says!

Is someone convicted by sin in their life? Tell them what the Bible says!

How simple. When people need to be comforted or encouraged, we need only remind them of the words God has given us!