What grieves the Holy Spirit?
You have heard the famous saying in churches, “They “quenched” the Spirit when they didn’t let this happen or that happen. Maybe they stopped worship too soon or didn’t let brother so and so give that prophecy or they stopped sister so and so from running around the church. But what really “quenches” the Holy Spirit? What would cause him not to move in our midst? What would displease him that He would leave our midst? The answer is found in Ephesians 4:29-32.
“Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, that it may give grace to those who hear. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.” (Italics mine)
The first verse in the above passage says “let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth…” When we speak critically, dishonestly, or deceitfully about anyone, especially in the church, we grieve the Holy Spirit. It breeds distrust and deceit within the body of Christ.
We are told only to speak words of edification according to our brothers and sisters needs at that moment. Ephesians also says for us to “rid ourselves of all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander and also all malice.”
The Devil was said in Revelation to be the “accuser of the brethren”. Sometimes we feel as though we are speaking words from God when ironically we are being used by Satan himself. His mouthpiece to carry out his devilish will. There have been a many of “church splits” and offended people that were all rooted back to “unwholesome words.”
If we are to strive to have unity within the body of Christ and to see the Holy Spirit move in our midst, we must lay aside all talk that would “grieve” the Holy Spirit of God.
2 comments:
When you are being led by the Holy Spirit, the foundation for your ministry is being formed to stand the test of time. Sometimes it is hard to speak what the Holy Spirit has given you, but when you are obedient to His calling, HIs strength becomes your strength. When you become a "conduit" for the Holy Spirit, you "can do it" for HIm. Keep you channels clear. It's just like the freqency of a radio station, if it moves a little to the right or left, then static hinders the message that God has for you. Always keep your transmission on God's frequency, or God's channel, and the message will alwasy be clear. God bless you Jodi and Gracen.
Good point pastor Beck! luv, cuz J
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