Grieving the Holy Spirit

Ephesians 4:29-32 (NIV) Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage, and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

It is important for us to understand the person of the Holy Spirit. Sometimes people think of the Holy Spirit as more of an “It” than a “Him.” But according to Scripture, the Holy Spirit is not only God, but He has a will, a personality, and can even be offended!

The Holy Spirit has sealed (“authorized as a representative,”) and dwells in the inner man. If He is grieved, the believer will be the first to know. Grieve means to cause injury or distress, the precise feeling the believer senses when sin or disobedience finds its place.

We can bring sorrow to the Holy Spirit by the way we live. Paul warns us against unwholesome language, bitterness, improper use of anger, harsh words, slander, and bad attitudes toward others. Instead of acting that way, we should be forgiving, just as God has forgiven us. Are you bringing sorrow to or pleasing God with your attitudes and actions? Act in love toward your brothers and sisters in Christ, just as God acted in love by sending his Son to die for your sins.

Father, please come and put a governor on my Heart in the power of Your Spirit that will give loud and clear warning should I begin to fall into the selfish ambition that grieves Your Spirit. May I always make choices that position me to inherit Your blessing rather than Your wrath as Your word says in Isa. 63:10. I ask this in Jesus’s name, amen.

Pastor Greg Volich