How do you know whether you are experiencing the Holy Spirit or not?

[NowHereThis]

I’ve heard a number of people say that they know that Jesus was raised from the dead because they experience him through the Holy Spirit. So to those here who have experienced the Holy Spirit, what is the experience like? How did you know it was specifically Jesus that you were experiencing?

 

[system]

weel-- the spiritual real is like the internet-- when you are around people who are anointed –

it like in the bible – you will be activated-- that is why people catholics have phographed and videoed

the different places that Mary has appeared to the visionaries-- as a matter of fact-- you can go on line and see it on u tube–

The Blessed Virgin Mary: Miracle of the Sun

Miracle at Medjugorje - You have to see this to believe it…Incredible!!!

youtu.be/6W165TsaFzw

and many non-catholics-- go to christian conventions-- to be in the company of spiritual ly
anointed people – speakers and such–

i wuld suggest to review the u tube video teaching of john paul jackson-- on prophets and psysics

The Mystery of Prophets & Psychics John Paul Jackson

youtu.be/ZKiqcLcheew

1 Samuel 19:20-24King James Version (KJV)

20 And Saul sent messengers to take David: and when they saw the company of the prophets prophesying, and Samuel standing as appointed over them, the Spirit of God was upon the messengers of Saul, and they also prophesied.

21 And when it was told Saul, he sent other messengers, and they prophesied likewise. And Saul sent messengers again the third time, and they prophesied also.

22 Then went he also to Ramah, and came to a great well that is in Sechu: and he asked and said, Where are Samuel and David? And one said, Behold, they be at Naioth in Ramah.

23 And he went thither to Naioth in Ramah: and the Spirit of God was upon him also, and he went on, and prophesied, until he came to Naioth in Ramah.

24 And he stripped off his clothes also, and prophesied before Samuel in like manner, and lay down naked all that day and all that night. Wherefore they say, Is Saul also among the prophets?

yes – find the group that you might fit in-- and experience and learn how to become
spiritually learning

 

[ynotzap]

When you turn to Christ needing salvation from the forces and events that take you down, bring you pain, suffering both psychological, and physiological and you reach out because there is no other one to go to. Then you discover hope and caring, even laughter. You find yourself deeply interested in learning more about Christ, you start praying more, understanding more, giving more. You experience a new life, a life of grace That’s a definite way to know the influence of the Holy Spirit. As you grow spiritually, you are more interested in what God desires, than what you desire, His will above your will. You experience holy inspirations, such a loving more, both God and neighbor. You in a sense put on the mind of the Lord, seeking His guidance. You see it is the Holy Spirit that causes you to grow spiritually, we can’t cause ourselves to grow. You learn to love the truth of Christianity and it’s founder, Jesus Christ. Your desires are to please Him, and thank Him, and worship Him. This is the work of the Holy Spirit, whose life in you causes you to do all these things.

 

[pianistclare]

When you turn to Christ needing salvation from the forces and events that take you down, bring you pain, suffering both psychological, and physiological and you reach out because there is no other one to go to. Then you discover hope and caring, even laughter. You find yourself deeply interested in learning more about Christ, you start praying more, understanding more, giving more. You experience a new life, a life of grace That’s a definite way to know the influence of the Holy Spirit. As you grow spiritually, you are more interested in what God desires, than what you desire, His will above your will. You experience holy inspirations, such a loving more, both God and neighbor. You in a sense put on the mind of the Lord, seeking His guidance. You see it is the Holy Spirit that causes you to grow spiritually, we can’t cause ourselves to grow. You learn to love the truth of Christianity and it’s founder, Jesus Christ. Your desires are to please Him, and thank Him, and worship Him. This is the work of the Holy Spirit, whose life in you causes you to do all these things.

+1

I’ll add sheer joy. Love of your fellow man,. A desire to reach out in charity to others.
Being able to forgive and not dwell on the flaws of ourselves or others.
The deep peace that you can’t buy.

 

[InNomineDomini]

To paraphrase St. John of the Cross, speaking of just about all mystical phenomena: you ignore. If it’s truly from God, He’ll accomplish what He wants to accomplish in spite of you.

In the Catholic tradition, going by feelings is a big no-no, because feelings or consolations or visions can all be mimicked by the evil one and can lead us astray. (My apologies, but this Medjugorje stuff is a great example of this, in my opinion. The non-stop yakking alone should tip people off, but I digress.) Moreover, feelings are kind of for those of us who are not even remotely spiritually developed, and we should always be striving to love God for reasons beyond the fact that He makes us feel a certain way.

Furthermore, the Catholic perspective is way more rational than this idea that we should believe in the Resurrection of Christ because we have a feeling. I mean, come on, seriously? That’s a completely NON-Catholic way to approach things. With all due respect to them, that’s kind of like a Fundamentalist Protestant take on things.

Faith and reason are like two wings on which the human spirit rises to the contemplation of truth; and God has placed in the human heart a desire to know the truth—in a word, to know himself—so that, by knowing and loving God, men and women may also come to the fullness of truth about themselves.

There’s PLENTY of academically-sound reasons to believe in the Resurrection. Here’s a great book on the subject, written by a Protestant. It’s an undergraduate-level textbook: amazon.com/Four-Portraits-One-Jesus-Gospels/dp/031022697X

Try that on for size, rather than listening to silliness about feelings. Faith is way cooler than that.

 

[ccmcmg]

I’ve heard a number of people say that they know that Jesus was raised from the dead because they experience him through the Holy Spirit. So to those here who have experienced the Holy Spirit, what is the experience like? How did you know it was specifically Jesus that you were experiencing?

I’ve experienced the Holy Spirit in different ways at different times in my life. Once, it was so overwhelming and overpowering, that it could be nothing else. Other times, He has come to me in silence, or in prayer. Every once in awhile, it’s when I’m resisting Him, and He gets a little more ‘obvious’. You can, and will, experience Him best when you are open to Him and His Love and His Guidance.

My first experience was, as I said, overwhelming and overpowering. I lived, for a few weeks, like I was surrounded and smothered with Love, in every pore of my body, with deep spiritual conversations (two way conversations!).

In a prayer group, I felt the ‘weakening’ of my physical body. I know it was real, although I also don’t doubt that sometimes for some people it’s their own mind.

Sometimes, I get a great feeling of warmth and peace through me. Other times, He gives me reassurances.

My best advice to you is to pray, to give in, to offer to give in. When I remember to pray to God in certain situations, and offer myself to Him for His intentions and promise to obey, He provides for me, in the Holy Spirit.

 

[mikekle]

In the Catholic tradition, going by feelings is a big no-no, because feelings or consolations or visions can all be mimicked by the evil one and can lead us astray. .

Yes that is true, but when the evil one is involved, he will definitely NOT be directing people towards God, or speak about loving, trusting in God, he will be directing people in the complete opposite direction, that is how you can tell what type of spirit you are really dealing with, Satan or a demon would NEVER encourage someone to love God, or put their trust in him.

 

[AnneElizabeth]

I’ve heard a number of people say that they know that Jesus was raised from the dead because they experience him through the Holy Spirit. So to those here who have experienced the Holy Spirit, what is the experience like? How did you know it was specifically Jesus that you were experiencing?

The answers you seek about this specific question are written in Holy Scripture. I’m not going to point out where- there are several passages anyway- and you should be making the effort to know Christ through His Word. (My apologies if you have tried that and could not find… its just that I think its best that one searches for Christ, as that is what He tells us all individually to do.) St. Jerome said ignorance of the Word of God is ignorance of Christ, so I suggest you become very well acquainted with The Word of God as it is written that will never pass away.

Do not rely on feelings alone. Search the Scriptures for answers. Talk with priests and lay people if you are not sure.

I would say also that there is always a chance that even after doing all that you could to examine a situation and your faith, that it still could be wrong and that it is not Jesus you are experiencing, but we all take that chance when we walk in faith- the substance of things hoped for and not seen. We all have to walk in faith because it is what pleases God. We learn from our mistakes along the way.

 

[InNomineDomini]

Yes that is true, but when the evil one is involved, he will definitely NOT be directing people towards God, or speak about loving, trusting in God, he will be directing people in the complete opposite direction, that is how you can tell what type of spirit you are really dealing with, Satan or a demon would NEVER encourage someone to love God, or put their trust in him.

That depends.

The question would be HOW are we being encouraged to love God and to trust Him?

Maybe it’s by being disobedient to the Church and Her teachings? by dissenting from what She proclaims? Maybe it’s by leaving the priesthood to start a family? Maybe it’s by disobeying my bishop and encouraging others to do the same? Maybe it’s scores of other things that go on in the minds of today’s Catholics, all in the name of loving God and Christ.

For a Catholic, there needs to be a counter-balance to our feelings: the Church. She has been promised the true protection of the Holy Spirit from falling into error, but not I.

 

[Joelle_M]

Not sure if this is the kind of answer you were searching for, but I can tell you something that’s happened to me. 3 times, in prayer, I have felt a very strong , euphoric feeling. It was nothing short of electric… from the tips of my toes to the top of my head. Those times it only lasted a matter of seconds (maybe 5-10?). It was pure love. I could describe it as the act of love between a man and woman. I had no doubt- none at all that I had been touched.
I had an even more intense one a little while ago. The feeling started in my sleep. It woke me partially up but I was afraid to move for fear of losing the feeling. Before I knew it I felt myself floating out of my bed and was flying through a richly coloured sky I can’t even describe. I didn’t have to ask myself where I was headed- I has headed to HIM and I have no doubt in my mind of it. The feeling was euphoric and there was nothing in the world that I wanted more than to reach him. I felt myself getting close- close enough to start making out a figure (more in the way of a photograph) and then I started to drift back. I protested and begged- but came back. I felt myself lower back into my bed (awake!) And realized my arm had been sticking up- as if I had been pulled. My husband and son were asleep soundly. My house was more quiet and peaceful than I have ever experienced. I felt loved and protected. I immediately said a rosary and while reciting it- a strange almost tapping sounds tarred coming from one of my spare bedrooms. It was keeping me from concentrating on my rosary and was starting to scare me. It wasn’t mechanical- it was random… like something falling on the ground. I asked our blessed mother to ask her son: if their wish was for me to get up and investigate the sound than I would- but told her I was a frail of what I may discover so if the sound was not of their doing- meaning coming from the enemy- that they make it stop so I could finish my rosary. AND IT STOPPED.
I realize I may sound crazy to some- I wish I could find the words to properly describe what I experienced. It’s just impossible.

 

[AnneElizabeth]

Not sure if this is the kind of answer you were searching for, but I can tell you something that’s happened to me. 3 times, in prayer, I have felt a very strong , euphoric feeling. It was nothing short of electric… from the tips of my toes to the top of my head. Those times it only lasted a matter of seconds (maybe 5-10?). It was pure love. I could describe it as the act of love between a man and woman. I had no doubt- none at all that I had been touched.
I had an even more intense one a little while ago. The feeling started in my sleep. It woke me partially up but I was afraid to move for fear of losing the feeling. Before I knew it I felt myself floating out of my bed and was flying through a richly coloured sky I can’t even describe. I didn’t have to ask myself where I was headed- I has headed to HIM and I have no doubt in my mind of it. The feeling was euphoric and there was nothing in the world that I wanted more than to reach him. I felt myself getting close- close enough to start making out a figure (more in the way of a photograph) and then I started to drift back. I protested and begged- but came back. I felt myself lower back into my bed (awake!) And realized my arm had been sticking up- as if I had been pulled. My husband and son were asleep soundly. My house was more quiet and peaceful than I have ever experienced. I felt loved and protected. I immediately said a rosary and while reciting it- a strange almost tapping sounds tarred coming from one of my spare bedrooms. It was keeping me from concentrating on my rosary and was starting to scare me. It wasn’t mechanical- it was random… like something falling on the ground. I asked our blessed mother to ask her son: if their wish was for me to get up and investigate the sound than I would- but told her I was a frail of what I may discover so if the sound was not of their doing- meaning coming from the enemy- that they make it stop so I could finish my rosary. AND IT STOPPED.
I realize I may sound crazy to some- I wish I could find the words to properly describe what I experienced. It’s just impossible.

It does not sound crazy per say in lieu of supernatural to me, except that you seem to be relying totally on a feeling… It could be, then again it might not. Various saints have warned against accepting feelings as coming from God as they can be Satan disguised as light. I would have to say that when The Blessed Virgin was contacted by God, she kept these things hidden in her heart.

 

[marycchristian]

I am not aware of anyone in the Holy Trinity ever coming to me. The one I feel closest to is Jesus, of course, and then our Blessed Mother. I just have always felt that I was so not worthy of any communication, my best bet was to just keep on praying…and have faith, trust, love. I am not deserving…

 

[Joelle_M]

It does not sound crazy per say in lieu of supernatural to me, except that you seem to be relying totally on a feeling… It could be, then again it might not. Various saints have warned against accepting feelings as coming from God as they can be Satan disguised as light. I would have to say that when The Blessed Virgin was contacted by God, she kept these things hidden in her heart.

But if those “feelings” ultimately lead to you solififying your faith in God- how could they be wrong? ex: goosebumps when reading your bible and making a new discovery. Praying to God and and feeling an intense love rain down on you. I would say you should never run out and try to bring them on or invoke them somehow. But if they come unsolicited and make you feel like God is wrapping you up in his love? I understand what you mean about protecting yourself from the evil one as he wears many hats and is a great deceiver- but he would never do anything that would ultimately steer you towards God.
Now- I’m not saying there’s no way I wasn’t deceived that night, but I don’t think I was. Ultimately- the memory of it is keeping me reading my bible, studying the catholic catechism and praying my Rosary, so I hope I’m doing OK.

 

[AnneElizabeth]

But if those “feelings” ultimately lead to you solififying your faith in God- how could they be wrong? ex: goosebumps when reading your bible and making a new discovery. Praying to God and and feeling an intense love rain down on you. I would say you should never run out and try to bring them on or invoke them somehow. But if they come unsolicited and make you feel like God is wrapping you up in his love? I understand what you mean about protecting yourself from the evil one as he wears many hats and is a great deceiver- but he would never do anything that would ultimately steer you towards God.
Now- I’m not saying there’s no way I wasn’t deceived that night, but I don’t think I was. Ultimately- the memory of it is keeping me reading my bible, studying the catholic catechism and praying my Rosary, so I hope I’m doing OK.

Perhaps you are speaking about the spiritual phenomena called consolation? That is something that is often not discussed, but many saints speak about it. And you are right to say that we are not to go about seeking it, but that sometimes in prayer God will send it. Its His gift to us and its very special.

And yes, In Mark 9:38-40 it says …

"38John said to Him, “Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in Your name, and we tried to prevent him because he was not following us.” 39But Jesus said, "Do not hinder him, for there is no one who will perform a miracle in My name, and be able soon afterward to speak evil of Me. 40"For he who is not against us is for us.… " In that way, even if we were deceived but ended up seeking God and doing His will, then it was all good. I think there is a spiritual phrase coined for that : “O happy fault”.

I hope I did not come off as cold or disgruntled in my post to you… just wanted to warn you have caution about these things. Don’t linger on them for too long but seek to do God’s will instead. Satan mixes truth with error to make it believable… so in that way he can make it seem like you are going towards God, but if one’s heart is truly set on doing God’s will, then I’d say God will bless that one.

 

[Joelle_M]

Perhaps you are speaking about the spiritual phenomena called consolation? That is something that is often not discussed, but many saints speak about it. And you are right to say that we are not to go about seeking it, but that sometimes in prayer God will send it. Its His gift to us and its very special.

And yes, In Mark 9:38-40 it says …

"38John said to Him, “Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in Your name, and we tried to prevent him because he was not following us.” 39But Jesus said, "Do not hinder him, for there is no one who will perform a miracle in My name, and be able soon afterward to speak evil of Me. 40"For he who is not against us is for us.… " In that way, even if we were deceived but ended up seeking God and doing His will, then it was all good. I think there is a spiritual phrase coined for that : “O happy fault”.

I hope I did not come off as cold or disgruntled in my post to you… just wanted to warn you have caution about these things. Don’t linger on them for too long but seek to do God’s will instead. Satan mixes truth with error to make it believable… so in that way he can make it seem like you are going towards God, but if one’s heart is truly set on doing God’s will, then I’d say God will bless that one.

You didn’t come across as disgruntled at all, I appreciate you taking the time to comment. God uses people sometimes to forward on messages and warnings, I’m always open to hearing anything someone wants to tell me.
Funny you should mention that passage of the bible, I read it just last night. I stopped and read if a few times, It spoke to me I guess.

Thanks again!

 

[Robert_Sock]

Knowing the truth of Holy Spirit is like knowing when your spouse just reached orgasm… You just know it!

 

[Eruvande]

I experience the Holy Spirit when I read scripture, when I pray my rosary, and especially when I get to mass. Sometimes it’s a tangible sense of awe - especially in mass when I realize I’m suddenly in the physical presence of Jesus. Other times it’s a small ‘knowing in my knower’ that God is with me, helping me to understand something in scripture, or through meditating on the mysteries of the rosary.

It’s never been especially dramatic, and I believe the Holy Spirit just loves to point us to Jesus, so I discern those moments of when I especially love Jesus myself as the leadings of the Holy Spirit. But I am a poor exemplar, trying my best to be like Our Lady, who loved Our Lord better than anyone on earth.

 

[ynotzap]

There are signs of two extremes, one is to put to much emphasis on feelings, the other is to put too much emphasis on thought. One is to lean too much on the animal nature of man, the other is to lean too much on the angelic qualities of man, meaning that man is no all thought. He lies in between, he is neither animal or angel. He is a combination of matter and spirit, by God’s design. Heb:2 6-8, “What is man that you are mindful of him, or the son of man that you care for him? You made him for a little while lower than the angels; you crowned him with glory and honor, subjecting all things under his feet.”
Jesus wept, felt sorrow, could have cured without signs, but used signs to cure eg. “with His spittle He made two clay-like pads and placed them on the eyes of the blind man…” He acknowledged human nature, and used signs, eg. A sacrament is a visible sign signifying grace, and giving the grace it signifies. Christ acknowledge feelings. It is true that convictions, and knowledge are nobler elements of man’s nature, but man is not complete with these spiritual realities, he is not whole without feelings. His body will be glorified in Heaven from the overflow of the glory of the soul.

St. Theresa of Avilla stated that there are people who climb the shear walls of the mountain of perfection, that is the austere practice of the virtues,but as for her ( a spiritual giant in her own right) she prefers the trip around the mountain where there is an occasional oasis (receiving spiritual consolations) There is a lot of spiritual arriditty experienced in prayer, and spiritual practices because it involves thought, and convictions. But people do not experience enough sentiment is many cases. In the priesthood when contemplating scripture, or some spiritual lesson, the leader often directs those involved to make "…their convictions, and their sentiments concerning the subject matter. " The whole person must be treated, and feelings are an important part, even though faith convictions are the most important. Often we follow the light of truth without feelings, but God does acknowledge our humanity, and gives us consolations. No fear that we will receive many consolations, but when they come say “Thank you Jesus!” Church music,and liturgy appeals to feelings, and it raises feelings to a spiritual level in worship.