Do Not Grieve the Holy Spirit? Ephesians 4:29-32

What grieves the Holy Spirit? Is this something that you could do? Keep Reading…

Listen to Ephesians 4 below and let God's Word soak into you.

Read
Ephesians 4:29-32 - 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.

Meditate
Ephesians 4 is all about unity in the body of Christ. We read here the Father’s ultimate desire that “we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.” Ephesians 4:15 We are given many instructions in building up Jesus’ body. In the verses above, we read about the importance of our conversations, the language that comes out of our mouths.

In the midst of these instructions on building up Jesus’ body, we are counselled not to grieve the Holy Spirit. This is the only place in the Bible with this kind of language. How could one bring grief to the Holy Spirit? What a devastating thought!

As we look at these verses in the context of the whole, it becomes clear what the Holy Spirit loves and what could grieve him. When we participate in destroying Jesus’ body, we grieve the Holy Spirit. More specifically, when we use our mouths to tear apart the members of his body, we cause great pain and a deep sense of mourning within the Holy Spirit.

Apply
Allow the Holy Spirit to scan your relationships in the body of Christ. Is there any fracture, any area where you have torn apart his body through cutting words or unforgiveness? If convicted, repent first and foremost of grieving the Holy Spirit. He will forgive you. Determine always to build up Jesus’ body in your words and acts of kindness.