And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption. Ephesians 4:30 NLT
The Holy Spirit is the fulfilled Promise Jesus made, the One who would be given to us as we put our faith in Him. Our entire lives are to be lived in the Spirit (Galatians 5:25). Jesus said, “It is the Spirit who gives life” (John 6:63). Anyone who is in our lives and with whom we have an intimate relationship requires awareness and sensitivity. Every successful relationship you have requires cultivating it. The Holy Spirit is not a “force.” He is a person, and our relationship depends on our intentional care of that relationship.
In teaching us about our relationship with God, Paul tells us to not grieve or bring sorrow to the Holy Spirit by the way we live. He was writing in the Greek language, and the full context of that word “grieve” (lupeo) means to hurt, abuse, distress or offend. That is something no one in a loving relationship would want to do. It is a command, a directive for us to not cause sorrow to the Holy Spirit, One who has identified us as His own.
How do we bring sorrow to the Holy Spirit? Ephesians 4:25-32 tells us. Take a minute and read each verse in context.
- When we speak or live a lie, when we mislead others with inauthenticity or manipulation (v. 25).
- When anger gets the upper hand in our lives and we let it fester instead of handling it quickly (v. 26).
- When we give Satan a space in our lives or a “foothold” to influence us through unforgiveness (v. 27).
- When we take what is not ours – we can steal and take from others in many ways (v. 28).
- When we hoard our resources instead of giving generously to others in need (v. 28).
- When we use words that damage and destroy other people (v. 29).
- When we let negative emotions take root in our heart instead of allowing the fruit of God’s Spirit to characterize us (vv. 31-32).
- Dear God, what a privilege to live in an intimate relationship with You through the Holy Spirit. Help me develop a deep sensitivity and desire to repent quickly and live in unbroken fellowship.