God's Holy Fire: 'The Always Friend'

Wednesday, August 19, 2026

[Jesus said,] "If you love me, show it by doing what I've told you. I will talk to the Father, and he'll provide you another Friend so that you will always have someone with you."
— John 14:15-16 MSG

Key Thought

Love is shown by the actions that back up a person's words. We show our love for Jesus by what we do, by obeying what he has taught us. Jesus, however, doesn't expect this demonstrated love for him to be a one-way street. He shows us his love for us by having the Father send another Friend like himself to us. This Friend, the Holy Spirit, is called the Advocate or Comforter or Helper in other translations. The Father sends this Friend so that we will never be alone. We can be confident that we will always have the presence of God in our lives!

Today's Prayer

Father, words can't express my thanks for the gift of the Holy Spirit. I know that even when I am by myself, I am not alone. I know that when earthly friends forsake me, or those close to me betray me, your Presence is my Helper and my Friend. Thank you. Please forgive me for not seeking this Friend's help and support in times of trouble. Please make the presence of this Friend very clear as I live my daily life. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

19 Related Resources by Heartlight

Another Counselor, A Lasting Comforter
Devo: What Jesus Did!
"[Jesus continued,] "If you love me, obey my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you....."
Centering Relationships on Our Love for God!
Devo: Together in Christ
"[Jesus continued teaching his disciples:] "If you love me, obey my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who..."
Love, Obedience, and Permanence
Devo: Together in Christ
"[Jesus said,] "If you love me, obey my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He....."
Never Leave You
Devo: God's Holy Fire
"[Jesus said,] "If you love me, obey my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy...."
See All 19 Related Resources about John 14:15-16

Illustration

Illustration of John 14:15-16 MSG — [Jesus said,] "If you love me, show it by doing what I've told you. I will talk to the Father, and he'll provide you another Friend so that you will always have someone with you."

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Wednesday, August 19, 2026

Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'In our Time' (Ha. 3:2-3)
"I have heard all about you, Lord. I am filled with awe by your amazing works. In this time of our deep need, help us again as you did in years gone..."
Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'Peace Is a Weapon of Stability & Readiness'
"Put on your shoes so that you are ready to spread the Good News that gives peace. And having strapped on your feet the gospel of peace in..."
What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'Born of Water and the Spirit' (Jn. 3:4-5)
""What do you mean?" exclaimed Nicodemus [when Jesus told him he must be born again to see the Kingdom]. "How can an old man go back into his mother's...."
Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Morning Thought: Acts 4:13
"A Christian should be a striking likeness of Jesus Christ. You have read lives of Christ, beautifully and eloquently written, but the best life of..."

About This Devotional

God's Holy Fire is a daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

The Thoughts and Prayer for God's Holy Fire are written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
Scripture quotations marked MESSAGE are taken from THE MESSAGE, copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress. All rights reserved. Represented by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.

More God's Holy Fire

Translations