Hi Tdianne. Thank you for your question: one that can be quite perplexing and comes up often. These words, spirit and soul, can seem to be often used interchangeably, which of course is not helpful to us, but as a general rule, if some teaching or even word usage (as here) is not clear in the Bible, then it's likely not critical for our perfect understanding.
The Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Thessalonians 5:23, "And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ". Here, the clear distinction is made of our tripartite being, that each part which comprises the whole is special and accountable to the LORD, so we must carefully look to their state.
There are too many references to the spirit and soul that God has given us (you can do a search for those words on this Site, and see how they are used). However, in my understanding, which I don't admit is perfect on this matter, is that the "Soul" represents the person (the living being) and the personal attributes of that life (of the mind, will, and emotions) and these together reflect one's personality.
The "Spirit", as the God-given "breath of life" ( Genesis 2:7) caused this new creation made from the dust of the Earth, to begin to live. So, I understand the spirit given us, as one's real immortal life that operates on a higher plane than the soul, where our spiritual perception & understanding, our communication with God & His Spirit within us, and where the root of faith, hope, and Divine connection rests. Another way of looking at it: when we communicate, have feelings or react to others, then our soul is at work; when being ministered to by God & our responses to Him, then our spirit (if newly re-born) is engaged.
As mentioned, one cannot be hard and fast on this subject, as clear concise definitions are not given us; so each person may have their own understanding as they receive from God's Word.
The Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Thessalonians 5:23, "And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ". Here, the clear distinction is made of our tripartite being, that each part which comprises the whole is special and accountable to the LORD, so we must carefully look to their state.
There are too many references to the spirit and soul that God has given us (you can do a search for those words on this Site, and see how they are used). However, in my understanding, which I don't admit is perfect on this matter, is that the "Soul" represents the person (the living being) and the personal attributes of that life (of the mind, will, and emotions) and these together reflect one's personality.
The "Spirit", as the God-given "breath of life" ( Genesis 2:7) caused this new creation made from the dust of the Earth, to begin to live. So, I understand the spirit given us, as one's real immortal life that operates on a higher plane than the soul, where our spiritual perception & understanding, our communication with God & His Spirit within us, and where the root of faith, hope, and Divine connection rests. Another way of looking at it: when we communicate, have feelings or react to others, then our soul is at work; when being ministered to by God & our responses to Him, then our spirit (if newly re-born) is engaged.
As mentioned, one cannot be hard and fast on this subject, as clear concise definitions are not given us; so each person may have their own understanding as they receive from God's Word.
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