Are you bringing sorrow to the Holy Spirit?

My mother never had to spank me.

She rarely had to raise her voice to me.

It wasn’t because I never misbehaved, I did. The reason was because I loved her so much, she meant so much to me, that I never wanted to disappoint her.

I recall one time when I was very young and I was misbehaving rather belligerently, so much so my mother scolded me. She made it very clear she was disappointed with my behavior. The very thought of her disappointment with me sent me running to my room where I threw myself onto my bed in tears. I was heartbroken that I had disappointed her.

I think of that experience when I read the first line of Ephesians 4:30:

“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”

Before entering into a covenant relationship with Jesus Christ, we were a malicious people, but that changed through God’s mercy. Now we are to get rid of malicious thinking and behaviors and be merciful like our Father in heaven. We’re to behave ourselves in such a way that we don’t bring sorrow to, or disappoint, the Holy Spirit by the way we live.

To accomplish this, we’re told to rid ourselves of our maliciousness …

“Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior,” Ephesians 4:31.

We’re to replace such maliciousness with a merciful and gracious character that reflects Christ in us …

“Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you,” Ephesians 4:32.

Are you living in such a way that brings sorrow to the Holy Spirit? Or are you behaving in a way that reflects Christ in you?

Scotty