The Soul and The Spirit
God created each individual with both a spirit and a soul. Oftentimes, we think of these as one in the same. However, these are two separate parts within the human. Because the definition and functionality of each entity is fairly vague, we rarely comprehend how to approach either. Yet, when we understand the existence of these two parts, and how they were created to operate, we can gain powerful tools for emotional and spiritual direction and healing.
The way in which God speaks to us is through God, the “Holy Spirit”, as the scripture says “His Spirit leads and guides”. God’s Spirit speaks to our spirit. God created this part within us for such conversation and communion. Our spirit is the part of us that will never die. When our body dies, it is our spirit that continues on to eternity. Although during this earthly journey, we face trials and tribulation that cause pain and hurt, our spirit stays intact through it all. God designed it that way. However, it is our soul that takes on all of the pain the trials bring.
The soul is made up of the mind, emotions and will/behaviors. The mind, part of the soul, is nothing but a computer, data in, data out. It is the operating system that drives emotional responses (emotions) that then cause us to behave (the will) in certain ways. The problem is that we automatically believe our mind. But when we view the mind as a computer system that has downloaded data from negative life experiences and influences, specifically during our childhood development, we will then have the tools to change each part of our soul and live from the core place of healthy identity and positive self-worth.
