A patient in the waiting room picked up a Christian booklet on how to find God and read this verse: ‘Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in …’ (Revelation 3: 20) Although she was a regular churchgoer, for her, God was ‘up there’, to be called on in difficulty. Now she realised that the risen Christ could come in to her life with forgiveness and strength. She at once invited him in and was immediately ‘born of the Spirit’. (John 3: 3–6)

Different versions of the Bible speak of the Spirit as counsellor, comforter, helper, strengthener, advocate and Spirit of truth. We may know his activity in all these ways, but what evidence will reveal his presence?

First, there should be fruit. Jesus compares himself to a vine. We, as connected branches, have vitality, finding refreshment and bearing fruit. (John 15: 4) The Christ-like nature will produce in our lives the fruits of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. (Galatians 5: 22–23) As his nature is contrary to our sinful nature there will be many battles before we grow all these fruits. We have to learn to keep in step with the Spirit. (Galatians 5: 16–17, 25)

The coming of the Holy Spirit did not stop at Pentecost. The intention is for us each to know – and show – his continued activity in our lives today. Is this happening in mine?