CHRIST AND THE HOLY SPIRIT

Though Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit are One and their operations are interchangeable, for our weak minds' sake, we can differentiate the operation of one from the other.  

Christ is looked up to as our Redeemer who remits the sins of those who are truly repentant.  And repentance means obeying the command of Christ, the first of which is to "deny oneself".    

Since self-denial is so distasteful and heart-breaking for all, they have to be consoled; and this is the work of the Holy Spirit.  So, the Holy Spirit consoles only those burdened by their act of self-denial in the name of Christ.  That is why saints, though living lives of great self-denial, are happy.  The Holy Spirit does not console others who are depressed for other reasons.    

(08-25-10)