The Holy Spirit as Comforter

On the night before his death, Jesus made it clear to his apostles that he would soon be leaving them.  This troubled and grieved them.  (John 13:33, 36; 14:27-31)  Recognizing their need for continued comfort, Jesus promised:  "I will request the Father and he will give you another helper [or, comforter] to be with you forever." (John 14:16) Jesus here was referring to God's holy spirit. Among other things, God's spirit comforted the apostles during their trials and strengthened them to continue doing God's will. -Acts 4:31. 

Angie, whose husband came close to death after a serious accident, was able to cope successfully with all the distress and pain of her situation.  What helped her?  She says: "Without the support of Jehovah's holy spirit, we could not have gone through what we have experienced and remained strong.  Jehovah's strength has indeed been made manifest through our weaknesses, and he has proved  to be a fortress in our time of distress."

Next time: A Comforting Brotherhood

From the Watchtower magazine, 2000