Our Relationship with the Holy Spirit and the Holy Spirit’s Relationship with Us
In this profound lecture, His Holiness Pope Shenouda III explains how man’s relationship with the Holy Spirit begins at his spiritual birth in baptism, and how the Spirit continues His work throughout life until man becomes a true partner with the Holy Spirit in life and service.
1. The Beginning of the Relationship with the Holy Spirit
Our relationship with the Holy Spirit begins in Baptism, where we are born of water and Spirit, as the Lord said: “That which is born of the Spirit is spirit.” In baptism, man is cleansed from the original sin and renewed by the Holy Spirit, as St. Paul said: “By the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit” (Titus 3:5).
2. The Indwelling of the Holy Spirit
After baptism, the Holy Spirit dwells in us through the Sacrament of Chrismation, when one is anointed with the holy oil and becomes a temple of the Holy Spirit. This indwelling is a permanent presence granting power and holiness from childhood.
3. Growth and Walking in the Spirit
The believer is called to grow and be strengthened by the Spirit, as it is written about Christ: “The child grew and became strong in spirit.” Spiritual life means that the body submits to the spirit, and the spirit submits to the Holy Spirit, so the person’s life is directed by grace, not by the flesh.
4. The Fellowship of the Holy Spirit
At the end of every prayer we say: “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God the Father, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.”
This fellowship means participating with the Holy Spirit in work, not in essence or nature — it is cooperation. Through this fellowship appear the fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, faith, self-control, and goodness (Galatians 5:22).
5. Levels of Life in the Spirit
There are those who are filled with the Spirit, experiencing a special power and warmth, as it is written: “Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said…” The fullness of the Spirit is a higher spiritual state beyond ordinary grace.
6. The Works of the Holy Spirit in the Church
The Holy Spirit works in faith, repentance, priesthood, and service.
He leads unbelievers to faith, convicts of sin, grants repentance, and works through priests and servants. A service without the Spirit is a lifeless service. He speaks through the prophets and guides the councils, as it was said: “It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us.”
7. Warning Against Resisting the Spirit
His Holiness warns against grieving, quenching, or resisting the Spirit. The Spirit works freely and never forces anyone to do good. Whoever refuses Him grieves the Spirit, quenches Him, or loses His presence temporarily or permanently, as happened with King Saul. Therefore, we pray:
“Take not Your Holy Spirit from me, O Lord,” for without the Spirit there is no strength, no repentance, and no spiritual life.
8. The Role of the Spirit in the Sacraments and Daily Life
The Holy Spirit works in every sacrament:
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In Baptism and Chrismation, He gives new birth and indwelling.
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In Confession, He grants forgiveness.
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In Eucharist, He transforms the elements into the Body and Blood of Christ.
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In Priesthood, He grants power and service.
The Church is truly the Church of the Holy Spirit, who dwells in believers forever and leads them into holiness and divine fire.
Spiritual Summary
The Holy Spirit is the Comforter, Teacher, Guide, and Sanctifier.
Whoever walks in fellowship with Him lives in holiness, strength, and spiritual warmth, bearing the fruits of the Spirit in thought, heart, and service.
But whoever grieves or quenches the Spirit loses his spiritual fervor.
Let us always pray with David the prophet:
“Take not Your Holy Spirit from me,”
so that the Spirit may remain within us, renew our nature, and lead us to eternal holiness.
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