Ephesians 4:30, “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.”
Paul has just talked about having control over our words coming out of our mouths (Ephe. 4:26-27). That they should be used to build others up in being helpful, and not be corrupt in spewing anger, and obscene language. Words hold power and should reflect the power of the Holy Spirit residing in us. Have you noticed that when the pressure is on, and we feel emotional stress, our life becomes unstable, and our real heart’s condition is often revealed? I would say that I have been guilty, when my trigger point is engaged, in not staying cool, calm, and collected. How about you?
When your tires on your car become unbalanced, you will feel vibrations in the steering wheel. You may have steering problems, uneven tire wear will occur, and the lousy fuel economy emerges because the unbalanced tires have put more pressure on the engine. When we have our lives so out of balance in not having consistent communion with our Heavenly Father and reading His Word, our life needs some repairs, rebalancing, and recalibration spiritually. There is not a curse word or thought that God hasn’t heard. There is nothing that shocks Him. “God is not grieved by how our speech, anger, or malice affects Him, but by how it affects us. He’s grieved not because He can’t handle our sin, but because it hinders Him from doing His work in, through, and for us.” Jon Courson’s Application Commentary, New Testament.
The Holy Spirit is our helper, comforter, helper, teacher, advocate, divine resident of our heart, has secured our salvation, and has guaranteed, certified, sealed, and confirmed, our promise of eternity with God. Our stamp of divine approval in Christ comes from the Holy Spirit and is God’s personal mark of our eternal redemption’s genuineness. Therefore, my motivation in keeping myself in proper balance with Christ needs to be to live out Philippians 4:8, “Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on these things.”
Grieving the Holy Spirit can lead to quenching (1 Thess. 5:19) and giving up power and blessings. The Holy Spirit is grieved when lying instead of speaking the truth occurs, stealing in any form, and speaking corruptly instead of uplifting others and having balanced graciousness, which draws others to His grace. We need to have righteous anger in injustices seen but not delve into unrighteousness. Love, joy, and peace are fruits of the Spirit produced in us when we obey Him. What violates the will of God grieves the Holy Spirit.
When your habits and attitudes fall out of line with not having the mind of Christ, realize you are being taunted by an opposing batter. Harboring unforgiveness, gossip, and/or nursing hurt feelings are not from the Holy Spirit (James 3:14-16).
The Message states Ephe. 4:30, this way, “Don’t grieve God. Don’t break his heart. His Holy Spirit, moving and breathing in you, is the most intimate part of your life, making you fit for himself. Don’t take such a gift for granted.”
Listen to King & Country It’s Not Over Yet (Lyric Video)