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. – Ephesians 4:30
Other translations say, “do not grieve the Holy Spirit.”
Two truths scream to be heard. First, how we live matters to the Spirit deeply! Second, we can actually oppose and wound the Spirit of God who lives in us.
As Galatians 5:13-21Â reminds us, feeding the fleshly, sinful nature, side of ourselves puts us at war with the Spirit of God. Things like telling lies to each other, acting out our anger, stealing, sharing unwholesome talk among ourselves, living with rage and brawling and slander, all are activities that bring the Holy Spirit sorrow (Eph. 4:25-32). Living under the influence of the Spirit empowers us beyond these bad qualities as we are conformed to be like Jesus (2 Cor. 3:18; Gal. 5:22-23).
Prayer : Sovereign God, I confess that I sometimes ignore the impulse of the Holy Spirit inside of me and act in ways that are inconsistent and hurtful to you. I want to be more like Jesus — more under the influence and control of your Holy Spirit. Please open my eyes to your will, your presence, and your character as the Spirit leads me. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Dear Georgy,
I’m not sure if this if a free image? The name of the image is, “Do not bring sorrow to the Spirit.” My husband is doing a free commercial for our local Catholic Charismatic Renewal here in the diocese of Springfield, Massachusetts, USA. I design his CD covers. Can I use this beautiful dove design on the CD? My husband also has a Catholic radio program. His website is still under construction. My husband either pays for or works for the radio program. It is free to listeners. The website is, “www.movingmountainsrosary.wordpress.com”
Sincerely in Christ,
Linda
P.S. We have had the pleasure of sponsoring three children from Tamil Nadu through the CFCA organization. Someday, we would like to travel to India to see them in person.