Janelle Esker We have been going through the book of Ephesians at Church. I was struck by Ephesians 4:30, And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Although I know the book well, I could not for the life of me remember what actually grieves the Holy Spirit. This is a really important thing to know and I came up blank. After hitting the Bible, I found out that there are actually 6 Ways you could be Grieving The Holy Spirit
Before we study the list, is important to note that there is a real danger when we approach our Christian faith as a list of Dos and Don’ts. It is not an honest representation of what the Bible teaches and ends up demeaning the saving gospel message of Jesus! Always and I do mean always, study the Bible through the lens of God’s sacrificial love.
6 Ways You Are Grieving The Holy Spirit
- Lying Ephesians 4:25
- Stealing Ephesians 4:28
- Negative Speech Ephesians 4:29
- Uncontrolled Emotions Ephesians 4:32
- Unquestioned Deception Ephesians 5:6
- Drunkenness Ephesians 5:18
The longing gives us the knowledge
that there is something more, something better to life,
even if we have never experienced it.
This knowledge is the work of the Holy Spirit.
C. S. Lewis
Notably, not only do these sins hurt the Holy Spirit they injure others and they always do soul damage. Why not take a moment to meditate on these verses from the book of Ephesians?
- Start by sitting in silence, with your Bible open to Ephesians.
- Ask God to show you a way you might be grieving the Holy Spirit.
- Listen
- If convicted then…Ask God to forgive you.
- Soak in all of Jesus’ wisdom, love, and forgiveness.
- Ponder the “how and why” you got to this place.
- Forgive yourself.
YOUR TURN…
What is your favorite book in the Bible?
Blessings,
Janelle
