“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—the Spirit of truth.” (John 14:16–17)
Expanded Passage: John 14:16-18
The best advocates, counselors, and guides do what they do because they love people, and they know their “stuff.” Howard Clinebell, a Christian counselor from an earlier generation, was one of those people. Fifty years ago, when I entered pastoral ministry, a statement by him grabbed me and has guided me even to this day: “Care plus confrontation equals growth.” If people know you love them, they will hear hard truth from you, and grow. It takes both love and truth working together.
There are people in your life who will be happy to tell you the “truth” in a heartbeat, and go merrily along their way—leaving you in shreds. There are other people in your life who cannot bear to tell you the truth because they “love” you too much. They wouldn’t hurt your feelings for the world, bless their hearts.
But there is One in your life who loves you enough to tell you the honest truth, always. His name is Jesus, and he is full of grace and truth. His character is love. His Word is truth. He is present in your life by the Holy Spirit, your advocate, counselor, and guide. He embraces you and enlightens you, enabling you to be the bearer of good news to your world, speaking redeeming truth in love to any and all around you.
Listen to the truth Jesus offers you and trust him.
Dan LeRoy is a retired Wesleyan pastor, church planter and district superintendent. He and his wife Cynthia live in Kernersville, North Carolina.
© 2025 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
