1354. Grieving the Spirit

Grieving the Spirit

"And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption" (Eph_4:30).

Here is a solemn message. We can not drive the Spirit away, for we are sealed by Him, unto the day of redemption; but we may grieve Him, by Whom we are sealed.

How may we grieve Him? Simply read the admonitions given in chapter 4, beginning with Eph_4:22.

We might read them something like this:

1. "Put off concerning the former conversation, the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts and grieve not the Spirit.

2. "Put away all lying," and "grieve not the Spirit."

3. "Let not the sun go down upon your wrath;" "neither give place to the devil, and grieve not the Spirit."

4. "Let him that stole, steal no more, * * and grieve not the Spirit."

5. "Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, * * and grieve not the Spirit."

6. "Let all bitterness, and wrath and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice, * * and grieve not the Spirit."

7. "Be kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, * * and grieve not the Spirit."

The above will give ample room for serious reflection and thought. Remember that the word "grieve not," means "bring no sorrow to." Let us seek to do nothing that will bring sorrow to the Holy Spirit of God.

"The Spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth unto envy" (Jam_4:5). That is, paraphrased: "The Spirit that dwelleth in us, longs to have us wholly for Himself." Our God is a jealous God. He wants our love and our whole heart's affection.

Let us then always seek to do the things that please Him, lest by any means we might break fellowship with the Spirit and cause Him to hide His face; and, perhaps cause God to sorely chastise us.

Autor: R.E. NEIGHBOUR