friend and guide

John 16:1–15

In the final hours of his life, Jesus taught his Apostles. He knew they would be hated and killed. Jesus also reassured them that He would send the Holy Ghost to comfort them, but also teach, remind, testify, guide, and reprove when needed. John 14:26; 15:26; 16:7–14

Interestingly, Jesus' Apostles had manifestations of the Holy Ghost, while Jesus was on Earth. However, they received the gift of the Holy Ghost only after his death and resurrection (John 20:22). "There is a difference between a manifestation and the gift of the Holy Ghost. Manifestations of the Holy Ghost are given to lead sincere seekers to gospel truths that will persuade them to repentance and baptism. The gift of the Holy Ghost is more comprehensive. … [It] includes the right to constant companionship, that we may ‘always have his Spirit to be with [us]’ (D&C 20:77)."

“A newly baptized member told me what she felt, when she received that gift [the Holy Ghost]. This was a faithful Christian woman who had spent her life in service to others. She knew and loved the Lord, and she had felt the manifestations of His Spirit. When she received the added light of the restored gospel, she was baptized and the elders placed their hands upon her head and gave her the gift of the Holy Ghost. She recalled, ‘I felt the influence of the Holy Ghost settle upon me with greater intensity than I had ever felt before. He was like an old friend who had guided me in the past but now had come to stay’” (Dallin H. Oaks, Ensign, Nov. 1996, 60).

I too have felt His presence as a constant friend. As often as I will listen, He teaches, directs, guides, testifies, and reproves to make my life more joyful and meaningful. I have also experienced His withdrawal, when I do not listen or obey His promptings. Ever will I be grateful that my parents allowed me to take the missionary lessons and be baptized thus allowing me to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, my friend and guide.

“The Holy Ghost speaks with a voice that you feel more than you hear. It is described as a ‘still small voice.’ And while we speak of ‘listening’ to the whisperings of the Spirit, most often one describes a spiritual prompting by saying, ‘I had a feeling …’ … Revelation comes as words we feel more than hear” (Boyd Packer, Ensign, Nov. 1994, 60).


“the Spirit of the Lord … will whisper peace and joy to their souls; it will take malice, hatred, strife and all evil from their hearts; and their whole desire will be to do good, bring forth righteousness and build up the kingdom of God” (Manuscript History of Brigham Young, 1846–1847, comp. Elden J. Watson [1971], 529).