WHAT IT MEANS TO GRIEVE THE HOLY SPIRIT


Ephesians 4:30 says, "And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption."

The original Greek word for "grieve" is lupete. This word comes from the Greek word lupe, which expresses pain or grief between two individuals who love each other. The image that is portrayed is one of unfaithfulness between a husband and wife. As a result the injured party is shocked, hurt, wounded and grieved because of the pain associated with the offense.

This tells believers that we have a special, intimate relationship with The Holy Spirit. A marriage which is valued by the Spirit of God at the cost of Jesus' life. So, it is no wonder when we purposely rebel against God, our relationship with The Holy Spirit is strained. Remember, He is always with us, even through our mire we take Him through. 

Rick Renner says of this - "The Holy Spirit convicted us of sin and brought us to Jesus; then He indwelt us, sanctified us, empowered us and faithfully remains alongside to help us. So when we deliberately enter into sin, it grieves Him. Just as a husband or wife would feel who has just discovered that his or her spouse has committed adultery, the Holy Spirit is shocked when we dishonor His Presence in our lives." (Sparkling Gems from the Greek, p.10)

Mr. Renner cited a scholar who stated Ephesians 4:30, in light of the original Greek, this way - 

  • "Stop deeply wounding and causing such extreme emotional pain to the Spirit of God, by whom you have been sealed until the day of your redemption."
It follows then, as we strive to be Holy for He is Holy, to come before our passionate mate, The Holy Spirit, everyday and ask if we have been unfaithful in any way. Then ask The Spirit for forgiveness and a purging of that sin. An excellent way to verbalize it is to say as David - "Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." (Psalm 139:23-24) When meant sincerely - a beautiful way to "make-up" with The Spirit of God.

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