I Will Send the Comforter

“But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart” John 16: 6.

The disciples were filled with grief at the news of Jesus’ departure from the earth. But He tells them His leaving is to their advantage.

I Will Send the Comforter, Helper, Intercessor and Advocate

That’s because He would send the Helper if he went away. This word is translated “intercessor, consoler, advocate, comforter”(Strong’s Dictionary of the NT).

To read the whole passage for context, click here.

This Helper would guide them into all truth (John 16: 13). They would be consoled and comforted in their grief by being guided into the truth.

I think we experience a greater measure of the truth any time we experience grief. “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit” Psalm 34: 18.

It Was to My Advantage that He Went Away

It was actually to my advantage that my father abandoned me as an infant. Despite the fact that it set me up for years of pain and fear.

I probably would not have become a Christian had he not left me. And instead given me a stable, secure childhood. And I almost certainly would not have felt the need for the nearness of God that I have my whole life.

The Spirit of Truth compensated me for my pain and struggle by causing me to know the truth and be saved. I also have an ability to see truth in the Word that I’ve been told is unusual.

I believe there is a direct relationship between this gift and the pain and suffering I’ve endured because my father abandoned me.

His departure was painful, but ultimately for my good. How about you? Have you experienced painful losses that led you to the truth? Comment below.

For a post related to I Will Send the Comforter, see Surprising Benefits of Suffering.

Copyright secured by Digiprove © 2023 Anita Wood