The role of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer is not only about imparting supernatural knowledge of the Word of God but also about guiding Christians to understand what truly pleases the Lord. While the Spirit illuminates the Scriptures to reveal God’s truth, His primary role is to transform the hearts and minds of believers, leading them into a deeper relationship and alignment with God's will.
The Holy Spirit helps Christians discern what pleases the Lord by cultivating spiritual maturity. As believers spend time in prayer, worship, and studying the Word, the Spirit works within them to align their thoughts, values, and actions with God’s desires. This process is not solely about intellectual knowledge but heart knowledge —understanding God’s character and embracing a lifestyle that reflects His righteousness, love, mercy, and holiness.
In Ephesians 5:10, Paul encourages believers to "find out what pleases the Lord." This reflects the journey of actively seeking God’s will, which the Spirit makes possible. Rather than merely gaining head knowledge about doctrine or Scripture, the emphasis is on living a life that honors God. The Spirit teaches through conviction, encouragement, and inner transformation. He helps believers avoid sin and inspires them to walk in humility, obedience, and faith.
Furthermore, the Spirit produces fruit in the lives of Christians, such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). These fruits are proof of a life that is pleasing to God. They demonstrate the Spirit’s work in shaping believers into Christ’s image, a process that goes beyond intellectual understanding and reaches into the core of one’s being.
In essence, knowing what pleases the Lord is about relationship, not just knowledge. The Holy Spirit enables believers to live out their faith practically and in ways that bring glory to God. Through the Spirit’s guidance, Christians learn to prioritise love, humility, and service over mere religious ritual. It is through this heartfelt obedience and transformation that believers truly please the Lord.
May we meditate on the word of God and allow the Holy Spirit to transform our thoughts and actions in a right response to the grace we receive from the Almighty God.