The Savior’s Instructions about the Holy Ghost: John 14:15–17, 26–27; 15:26–27; 16:7–8, 13–14

1.            As you study the following verses, make a list of what the Savior taught about (1) what the Holy Ghost does and (2) what disciples must do to receive the Holy Ghost:

•                John 14:15–17: Jesus said that if His disciples loved Him, they would keep His commandments. The Holy Ghost is another Comforter and is the Spirit of truth.

•                John 14:26–27: The Holy Ghost teaches all things. The Savior said it would bring peace to the disciples and bring the Savior’s words to the disciples’ remembrance. 

•                John 15:26–27: The Holy Ghost testifies of Jesus Christ. He also instructed the disciples to bear witness of Him.

•                John 16:7–8: The Holy Ghost was sent when the Savior died. The Spirit will help rid the world of sin.

•                John 16:13–14: The Holy Ghost is a guide. He directs us to the truth. The Holy Ghost glorifies Christ.

2.            Add to your list as you study the following resources:

•                Institute student manual Points to Ponder, “The Holy Ghost Brings Man to His Fullest Potential” (pg. 167)

The Holy Ghost purifies us. It quickens our intellectual faculties and helps us put the natural man. It inspires virtue, kindness, goodness, tenderness, gentleness, and charity.

•                Institute student manual Points to Ponder, “As a Messenger of the Godhead, the Holy Ghost Teaches Faithful Members” (pg. 168)

The Holy Ghost instructs and enlightens the minds of those who obey the commandments. He reveals the mysteries of God. He is a special messenger from the Father and the Son.

•                Bible Dictionary, “Holy Ghost” (pg. 704)

The Holy Ghost is the way by which we receive a testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ. It sanctifies us from all sin.

3.            Review your list of what the Holy Ghost does. Then write responses to the following tasks:

•                Describe how the Holy Ghost helped the Apostles fulfill their missions after the Savior’s death and resurrection.

The Holy Ghost allowed the apostles to receive their testimonies. It blessed them to know what to say as they taught. It purified and sanctified them. It helped them bring people to Christ. Their mission would not have been fulfilled without the Holy Ghost.

Write a paragraph about a time when the Holy Ghost blessed you in one of the ways you listed above. Give an example of how the Holy Ghost has inspired you.

       One of the main ways the Holy Ghost has blessed my life is through my testimony. It is through the Holy Ghost that I know this gospel is true. When I have prayed for answers, the Holy Ghost has guided me. It confirms the truth to me all the time. The Holy Ghost is the best teacher. I’m very grateful for the Holy Ghost and the testimony I’ve been blessed with. 

A New Commandment: John 13:34–35

1.            According to John 13:34–35, how can others know if we are disciples of Jesus Christ?

Others know that we are disciples of Jesus Christ by how we treat people. Christlike love is the biggest indicator of your discipleship and commitment to Him. Christ taught that we must love everyone, overlook their faults, and even love those who are unkind to us. 

2.            List some specific ways a disciple of Jesus Christ might respond in the following situations (in accordance with John 13:34–35):

•                Someone you know is ridiculed or made fun of because of the way he or she dresses. 

A disciple of Jesus Christ would not lash out at the person who ridiculed them. They would forgive and treat that person with kindness and respect.

•                You see a new person at church.

A disciple of Christ would welcome the new person at church. They would smile, introduce themselves, and get to know the new person.

3.        Ponder the question, “Do people know that I am a disciple of Jesus Christ by the way I treat them?” Select a family member, coworker, or neighbor and make a short list of things you can do during the coming week to show him or her the kind of love the Savior would show. Then follow through with what you wrote down.

I can definitely do better at showing that I believe in the Savior. This week I can show my husband more Christlike love. I can show him more patience when we disagree on something or when he is impatient with me. I can also pray for him and do better at overlooking his imperfections.