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. – Ephesians 4:30-31

We learn from the above that our actions and attitudes can cause sorrow or sadness to the Holy Spirit. When I was younger, I had a hard time accepting that the Holy Spirit could experience grief. I was of the view that spirits don’t feel emotions but I was wrong, the Holy Spirit is as important as Christ and as God that we know from the Old Testament. Infact, He is God operating in the office of the Holy Spirt. If us, created in God’s image, have feelings and emotions, why not God?

The verse also shows us the importance of living in a way that aligns with God’s will and brings joy to the Holy Spirit. It’s a reminder for us to be mindful of our behavior and strive to live in a way that pleases God. In a world filled with malice and evil, it is easier to take the bait or anger, revenge, bitterness and conflicts. We face many challenges today as Christians than mankind has ever seen. Tentamount to what Apostle Paul said, “In the last days there will be perilous times.” Our greatest challenge now is not paying back evil with evil, because we will be tempted. In the face of it all, we ought to do well to live in a way that would reflect Christ. We have to avoid grieving the Holy Spirit, as our verse for today suggests.

Like any group of people, the church in Ephesians had their struggles and challenges also. Paul sent them this letter to encourage them to live in a way that reflects their identity as followers of Christ. He wanted them and all those who would come after them to avoid behaviors that would grieve the Holy Spirit and instead embrace a life filled with love, kindness, and forgiveness. Paul wanted them to understand the importance of living in harmony with God’s will and being a positive example to others.

I pray that the eyes of our understanding will be opened to this insight, and that we will be guided in our speech, actions and thoughts, so we do not grief the Holy Spirit. Amen