Good Word Friday Theme: Abide

“And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever.” (John 14:16)

Today, we’re introducing a new theme for Good Word Friday. For the next few weeks, we’re going to look at scriptures about abiding in Christ.

In today’s verse, Jesus promises to bless His disciples with a “Comforter.” At the time, Jesus was explaining to His disciples that He was going to have to leave them.

Parting is hard. Sometimes it’s tough just saying goodbye to someone on the phone or a Zoom call — “Well, I really do have to get going now…” It can be even harder in person. First you say goodbye inside the house. Then you walk to the car together and talk some more. Then you get in the car, roll down the window, and talk for another half an hour before you actually drive away.

Just imagine how hard it was for the disciples to part with Jesus — someone who probably made them feel so loved, so safe, so whole, so comforted — and He wasn’t just leaving temporarily.

Even though He couldn’t physically remain in their presence, Jesus had a plan. He was going to send the Holy Spirit to comfort them in His (physical) absence.

The Holy Spirit came, and it’s been in the soul-comforting business ever since. It abides in us — remains, continues, lives — and it’s forever. Nobody can take it from us. We can carry it anywhere. It’s Jesus Christ, resurrected and alive, in our heart. Remaining. Continuing. Living.

Praise God for this precious gift.

This article has undergone ministry review and approval.