Devotion:
For an audio version of this devotion, click here.
Read Ephesians 4:29 - 5:2.
In these verses, there is no better practical advice in the whole Bible for what it looks like to be the people of Christ. This letter initially went to the Christians in Ephesus in the first century, but it spread to many others in that time and ever since then. There are some very powerful passages in it and this is one of them.
When I read it this time, I was drawn to the phrase “Do not grieve the Holy Spirit…” It got me thinking about the things we do (and don’t do) or say (and don’t say) that cause our Lord to grieve. I’m sure each of us could make a long list. For now, let’s just focus on what is in these verses. When we let “unwholesome talk” come out of our mouths, we grieve the Spirit. When we seek to tear others down, rather than build them up, we grieve the Spirit. When we let bitterness, rage, anger and malice become a part of who we are, we grieve the Spirit.
On the other hand, when we are “kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, we cause the Holy Spirit to celebrate. When we “walk in the way of love,” we cause the Spirit to celebrate. When we follow the example that Jesus gave us, we show that we are children of God and we help others come to know God.
Personal Worship Option:
On this day, will you cause the Holy Spirit to grieve or celebrate?
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