It’s another Pentecost Sunday. Pentecost, also referred to as Whitsunday, along with Christmas and Easter, ranks among the great feasts of Christianity. It commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and Disciples, amid the fruits and effects of the event across all nations. By nurturing our friendship with the Holy Spirit, we can grow closer to God, experience greater peace and joy, and live out our faith with confidence and purpose. So, ask yourself: How friendly are you with the Holy Spirit? BETTY AMUKPO puts forward this question to some teens. They responded thus:
‘Friendship with the Holy Spirit is a personal and spiritual journey’
Friendship with the Holy Spirit is a personal and spiritual journey. Many Christians believe the Holy Spirit guides, comforts, and empowers them in their faith. Ways to deepen this friendship are:
• Invite the Holy Spirit into your daily prayers, seeking guidance and wisdom.
• Reflect on biblical teachings about the Holy Spirit, such as the promise of comfort and empowerment. According to John 14:26, Jesus promises the Holy Spirit as a Helper and Comforter.
• Pay attention to your heart and intuition, seeking to discern the Spirit’s gentle nudges. Yield to God’s will, trusting in the Spirit’s guidance and provision.
• Engage with fellow believers, sharing experiences and insights about the Spirit’s work in your lives. By nurturing this relationship, many find strength, peace, and purpose in their spiritual journey.
• Awaki Barnabas
‘I will always talk to the Holy Spirit in prayer and ask Him to guide me’
I will always talk to the Holy Spirit in prayer and ask Him to guide me. He helps me choose what is right and comforts me when I’m sad. “Come, Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:4). “Teach me your ways” (Psalm 25:4). “The Spirit helps us pray” (Romans 8:26). I will ask the Holy Spirit to teach me to love, forgive, and be kind. “Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit” (1 Corinthians 6:19). “Lead me, Lord” (Psalm 5:8). “The Spirit gives life” (2 Corinthians 3:6).
‘We should steadfastly walk in the spirit’
Apostle Peter shows us four things we must do to live as Pilgrims:
1. Having a mindset to adopt.
2. A war to fight.
3. A lifestyle to maintain.
4. A day to remember.
The Holy Spirit gives us hope because the Holy Spirit is the one who resurrects the dead. Holy Spirit helps us to bear our burden, advocate, defends us, gives us strength and courage to teach and counsel. Romans 8:24 states that “We should steadfastly walk in the spirit and redeem the earth in part and through a walk of faith. Please note that the Holy Spirit is not something you can produce on your own, it comes as a pure gift from God.
• Umennadi Francis
‘I want to always be His friend’
Communication with God regularly by reading my Bible and praying at all time. I will show commitment by getting to Him, doing His will and plan for me and obeying his guidance. To always be His friend, I will: 1. Always listen to His voice. He promises in the book of John 14:26. That he will send His Holy Spirit to teach us all things and bring to us remembrance for that He has said 2. Obeying His guidance. For if one is led by the spirit, he is not in any law, states Galatians 5:18. 3. Accept Jesus as my Lord and Saviour all the days of my life. Knowing Christ brings joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness and faithfulness. The Holy Spirit will guide, empower whoever that make Him his friend. His plan and will for me is priceless.
• Chima Anita
‘I strive to nurture my relationship with the Holy Spirit through prayer, Bible study’
I strive to nurture my relationship with the Holy Spirit through prayer, Bible study, and following the guidance I receive in my heart. The Holy Spirit aids me in making positive decisions, being compassionate towards others, and deepening my faith daily. “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit… will teach you all things.” – John 14:26 We should consistently be attentive to the Holy Spirit, and live in a manner that honours God.
• Blossom Akalezi
‘The Holy Spirit has been and will always be my trusted companion’
Each day of my life, I strive to listen to the Holy Spirit for His guidance and wisdom in my life. The Holy Spirit has been and will always be my trusted companion, guiding me through the difficulties and challenges of life. Romans 8:14 states “For those who are led by the spirit of God are the children of God.” I am learning to be closer to the Holy Spirit by praying my Rosary daily, and meditating for five minutes a day. Psalm 14:3-10 enjoins “Teach me to do your work for you are my God; may your good spirit lead me on a level ground.” I pray that the Holy Spirit continues to guide me, and lead me to the field of green grass. Amen.
• Eze Martha
‘The Holy Spirit is my Advocate’
I am friendly with the Holy Spirit because He is my Advocate, and I always pray for the Holy Spirit to ascend on me like He did to the Apostles on Pentecost day. And also, I am friendly with the Holy Spirit because He guides my inner emotions and feelings, teaching me on how to control my mind and soul in all my daily activities. He guides, comforts, and empowers me; (John 14:26; Romans 8:14). We are urged not to grieve the Holy Spirit. (Ephesians 4:30).
• Agbo Josephine
