JULY 6, Ephesians 4:30 

We grieve our parents when we are disobedient. Despite their many reminders to us, we sometimes do not study hard, and want things our own way. How do we not grieve mummy and daddy? Simple – obey them and do what they tell us, or do what we know they would like us to do.

Like our parents, the Holy Spirit has feelings and can be hurt. We grieve Him when we sin and do anything against what He wants us to do. What can these be? Well, many! Being angry or unreasonable when we do not get what we want is something all humans do, adults or children. Or lying. Or being unkind to others. Or gossiping. There are just so many ways we may grieve the Holy Spirit. May the Lord teach us to live such a life that will not grieve Him.

The Holy Spirit in the soul of a believer is God’s seal, set on his heart to testify that he is God’s property and belongs to God.To sin against God is not only to pollute our souls but also to rebel against the Spirit of God. Take a minute and pray about the things you may have done that grieved the Holy Spirit. Ask the Lord for forgiveness, and commit these areas to Him, trusting that He will help you overcome them.

Write down three things you have done that would have grieved the Holy Spirit, and ask God to help you overcome them.

1. _____________________________________________

2. _____________________________________________

3. _____________________________________________

Thought: With God’s help, I will try not to grieve the Holy Spirit.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I commit to You these weaknesses in my life and ask that You be merciful to help me to fight them, and to avoid doing them again. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.