1 John 2:20, 27 King James Version

 But ye have an *unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things.
*(Reference Hebrews 1:9) You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness;
 therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy.

1 John 2:27 King James Version
  But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.

This verse highlights the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding believers to discern between truth and deception.

The Holy Spirit, who dwells within believers, serves as a source of wisdom and discernment to help navigate the complexities of life and recognize the truth of God’s Word.

Believers can cultivate a discerning spirit that guards against deception by relying on the Holy Spirit’s guidance and seeking to understand the teachings of Scripture.

This verse emphasizes the importance of personal responsibility in discerning truth from deception. It encourages believers to abide in the truth of God’s Word and to trust in the Holy Spirit’s guidance rather than relying solely on external sources or human wisdom.

Believers can develop a discerning spirit that enables them to distinguish between what is true and what is deceptive by staying rooted in a close relationship with God and being attentive to the promptings of the Holy Spirit.

A combination of spiritual insight, knowledge of God’s Word, and a willingness to be guided by the Holy Spirit ultimately helps discern between truth and deception. Believers can navigate the complexities of the world with confidence and discernment by staying grounded in Scripture, seeking the leading of the Holy Spirit, and remaining vigilant against false teachings.

 

¹⁶ And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;  John 14:16 KJV

The term “Comforter” appears in key passages within the New Testament, particularly in the Gospel of John. The word often translated as “Comforter” or “Helper” is derived from the Greek term “Paraklētós,” which can be rendered as Advocate,
Counselor, Intercessor, Strengthener, Standby. This refers to someone who comes alongside to encourage, guide, strengthen, and intercede on behalf of believers. While the concept of divine help can be found throughout Scripture, the identity of the Comforter is most clearly described in the words of Jesus.
Scriptural Usage of the Term
1. In John 14:16, Jesus says, “And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate to be with you forever.” Here, “Advocate” (often translated “Comforter” in various English versions) is an indication that this presence is not merely an impersonal force but a Helper comparable to Jesus Himself.
2. In John 14:26, we read, “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have told you.” This identifies the Comforter specifically as the Holy Spirit-the One who guides believers into understanding the truths Jesus taught.
3. In John 15:26, Jesus promises, “When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father-the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father-He will testify about Me.” This verse reveals the testimonial role of the Comforter, bearing witness of Christ.
4. In John 16:7, Jesus explains, “But I tell you the truth, it is for your benefit that I go away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you.” Jesus emphasizes that this Helper’s coming is necessary for the continuation of God’s redemptive plan.
Identity as the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit’s identity as the Comforter is spelled out in John 14:26, directly connecting Him to the promises Jesus made. He is fully God-sent by the Father and the Son-and is personal, not merely an abstract power. Throughout the New Testament, the Holy Spirit is described with personal pronouns (e.g., “He,” not “it,” in many translations), teaching, guiding, convicting, and helping believers in ways only a personal being can.
Role in Teaching and Guidance
The Comforter’s teaching role is foundational (John 14:26). By guiding believers into all truth (John 16:13), the Holy Spirit illuminates Scripture and helps followers of Christ apply biblical principles to life.
Role in Consolation and Empowerment
In addition to guiding and teaching, the Holy Spirit brings comfort to believers by reminding them of God’s truths in times of distress. Evidence from the early Christian community (seen in the Book of Acts) shows a dramatic transformation in the lives of believers empowered by the Holy Spirit. Modern-day testimonies also echo these themes of inner peace and divine assistance, which numerous documented cases attribute to the ongoing work of the Comforter.
Relationship to Believers
The Comforter provides an internal witness of one’s reconciliation to God, as explained in Romans 8:16: “The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God.”

                                 God’s Prescription: Remember

Remembering is the primary prescription God gives us. While there are many things we should do as God’s children,  remembering is something we NEED to do—especially remembering who God is, what he has done for us by sending Jesus to redeem us, and who we are in Christ.
Mother’s Day is a special day to remember our mothers. We should remember all they have done for us, all they mean to us, and who we are because of them.
At birth, our mothers were an instrument in God’s hand to bring us into this world. God knit together each of us in our mother’s womb and placed us in her arms at birth. What a joy and blessing it is for a mother to cradle her newborn child for the first time at birth and then to hold her child’s hand throughout life. That’s how God intended it to be.
Just as a child is a gift from God to a mother (and father), mothers and fathers are gifts from God to the child. There is a bond in the parent/child
Relationship that should never be broken—and never really can be. One can divorce a spouse but not a parent.
Just as God loves us and has given us spiritual birth, we should honor and love the one who gave us physical birth. That’s how God intended it to be.
-Shari Abbott