Understanding the Trinity: Why We Need the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit

When I first began learning who Jesus really was, I had questions.

So many questions.

Who is He?

What did He do?

Why does it matter to my life today?

If you are honest, you have probably asked some of those same things. I know I did.

As I started reading the Bible and searching for answers, I was trying to understand not just Jesus, but God Himself. Somewhere along that journey, I watched the movie The Shack. While it is not Scripture, it helped me visualize something I had struggled to understand for a long time: the Trinity. God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Three, yet one.

That understanding changed how I relate to God.

One God. Three Expressions.

Scripture teaches that God is one (Deuteronomy 6:4), yet He reveals Himself in three distinct persons (Matthew 28:19). We do not serve three gods. We serve one God who works in our lives in three relational ways.

And we need all three.

I like to think of it this way.

God the Father: The Head

When I think of God the Father, I think of authority, direction, and purpose. He is the head. The One I go to when I need big answers.

“Lord, what is Your purpose for my life?”

“Where are You leading me?”

“How do You want me to serve?”

Just like we carry many roles in our lives mother, father, spouse, creator, worker, God also reveals Himself in ways that meet our needs. The Father gives vision, structure, and identity. He establishes who we are and where we are going.

Jesus the Son: God With Us

Jesus is God in human form. He understands us in a deeply personal way.

Scripture tells us that Jesus experienced every human emotion. He felt grief. He felt joy. He felt anger. He felt compassion. He was tempted, yet without sin (Hebrews 4:15). Because of that, He understands what it means to be human.

That is why I see Jesus as a friend.

He walks with me.

He sits with me.

He talks with me.

I do not walk ahead of Him, and I do not stay behind Him. I let Him sit right next to me. Even in the car. I talk to Him like a friend because He is one. Jesus Himself said, “I no longer call you servants… Instead, I have called you friends” (John 15:15).

We all need Jesus. Not just as Savior, but as companion.

The Holy Spirit: The Helper

Then there is the Holy Spirit.

The Spirit is the Helper Jesus promised would come after His resurrection (John 14:26). The Spirit is active. Present. Moving.

Those nudges you feel.

That quiet conviction.

That strong sense of “I need to do this.”

That is often the Holy Spirit at work.

Just like today, when I felt pushed to write about the Trinity. That prompting matters. The Holy Spirit empowers us to live out God’s will, to obey, to act, and to grow. He does not replace God or Jesus. He brings their presence into our daily lives.

Why This Matters

Our purpose is simple, but not shallow. We are called to serve God and make Him known through Jesus Christ.

When we understand God as Father, Son, and Spirit, our relationship with Him becomes fuller. More relational. More alive.

Just like we wear many hats in life wife, mother, grandmother, author, friend; God meets us in different ways through the Trinity. One God. Three expressions. All working together for our good.

So today, I encourage you to pay attention.

Notice how God the Father speaks direction.

Notice how Jesus walks with you in your emotions.

Notice how the Holy Spirit nudges you into action.

He is present. He is personal. And He is inviting you deeper.

Have a beautiful day.

We will talk soon.

Love and light to you always,

Heather M. Larribas

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