Week 7 | Wednesday
Wednesday – Do not Grieve the Spirit
Written by Sam Vavzincak (Pickerington Campus)
Ephesians 4:28-32
Key Verse:
“And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.“
A few years ago, I got the chance to step into a role that I wanted to do since I was a little kid. I had the chance to be an assistant coach for a middle school football team. I went and got a whistle, a dry-fit shirt, and a pair of cargo shorts to really assimilate into the position. I thought I was ready for anything; I was not. During our first full-contact practice, I realized I had a great challenge ahead of me. My players were committed, respectful, and extremely excited about the chance to play, but for many of them, this was their first-ever experience in tackle football. As a coach, I did everything I could to make sure my players knew the proper way to tackle. No matter how many drills and repetitions we went through, there were always a few players who would try to tackle with their heads down, putting themselves and other players at risk of injury. As a coach, it was always so hard for me to see my players mess up. Not only because they weren’t listening to what I was telling them but because I knew they could end up hurting themselves.
It’s common for Christians to have an incomplete view of how our sin affects God. In my sin, I am quick to think, “God is angry at me,” or “God must be so disappointed in me.” Our sin does not just “bum God out.” Ephesians 4:30 teaches us that when we sin, we grieve the Holy Spirit. The Greek word for “grieve” can be translated as “to cause to feel unhappiness, pain, or distress.” We can often see the negative effect that sin has on ourselves and others, but how often do we consider that it causes God pain and distress? Like a coach watching his players put themselves in danger or a parent watching a child go down a dangerous path, God is grieved by our decision to go against His way. He loves us, he knows what is best for us, and he wants us to walk in step with Him to have the fullest life possible. When we remember that our sin grieves the Holy Spirit, it should further our desire to avoid sin at all costs. It should also drive a more heartfelt confession to God when we do give into temptation.
Reflection Questions:
- Are you tolerating something that is grieving God? When will you confess and repent of it, knowing that it grieves the Holy Spirit?
- Do you confess your sins to God and/or to God’s people? If not, how can you build this practice into your life?
Prayer Prompt:
“Lord, I am so thankful for your grace. I know my sin does not just affect myself and others, but it grieves you. Help drive out the sin in my life, and help me more closely follow your ways.”