The Spirit within
And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Ephesians 4:30
It is an awful feeling to know that you broke someone’s heart by your words and actions because you were thoughtless. This is particularly difficult when the person you hurt was someone that deeply cares about you. More likely than not, if you realized the painful effect of what you did to break someone’s heart, you will decide never to do it again. From the text, the apostle Paul told the Christians at Ephesus that it is possible that they could grieve the Holy Spirit. Paul’s strong admonition provided believers a stern warning that should not be taken lightly. God is described in the Scriptures as gentle and meek. “...for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:29). It is those that are tender-hearted that could easily be grieved. God is invested emotionally to those that placed their trust in Him this is why when His will is not followed or obeyed, He is grieved. God’s will is His expression of His love to His children. He took the risk of loving you that He was willing to let His Son die on the cross so you could realize how much God loves you. If God’s will is His way of loving you then do not offend Him by being disobedient. You have to closely pay attention to what delights and pleases Him. You have to learn and grow knowing what mattered to Him as your way of responding to His love towards you. Coincidentally, the verses prior to what Paul said in v. 30 of Ephesians 4 refer to a decision to know God deeper. “When you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self” (Ephesians 4:21-22). This knowledge about God and the life He has in you should be manifested in the way you relate to others. “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” (Ephesians 4:31-32). God notices the way you relate to others and He is very much affected when you take for granted the way He wants you to treat others. Just as Paul warned the followers of Christ, take heed as well this warning: “...and do not give the devil a foothold” (Ephesians 4:27). The Holy Spirit is in the life of believers so that they will grow “in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ” (Ephesians 4:13).
Blessings,
