30 And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption.
Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Eph 4:30). Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.
Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God
New American Standard Bible: 1995 update. (1995). (Eph 4:30). La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.
In the past, I’ve not seriously considered what it means to “grieve The Holy Spirit” I have just accepted it as important. I’ve heard it quoted or stated many times and have accepted it at face value, realizing it as being important. The other day during my Bible reading, I came to a more clear understanding of this often quoted scripture.
When reviewing the G Campbell Morgan commentary (Searchlights From The Word) on this Ephesians scripture, he makes the point that there are two important ideas. First, the character of the Holy Spirit, holiness. Second the deep love-nature of the Holy Spirit.
So, I think we can accurately deduce from Paul’s comment in Ephesians 4, the third person of the Trinity sees us and works with us through a filter of holiness and has expectations of us as a true follower of Christ. When we fall far short of the holiness mark, this saddens God. It use to be, before coming to Christ, we had fear of an angry God, but now that we belong to Him, our fear should be a different one, not wanting to disappoint God.
I want to be careful I’m not neglectful in anything He has, or is, prompting me to do. In the same light, I should be careful to not do something He would frown upon.
With this understanding, I am far more clear about the importance of not grieving the Holy Spirit. Or stated even more succinctly, I don’t want disappoint my Lord. Larry Anderson

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