“And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption” (Eph. 4:30).

The Holy Spirit plays an important role in our spiritual lives. He is present and active the moment we are saved (born again or spiritually renewed – John 3:5; Titus 3:5). However, He is also present and active as we continue to grow spiritually (putting off the old man of sin and putting on the new man – Eph. 4:22-24).

How is the Holy Spirit personally involved in our spiritual growth? Why does He have a right to be grieved when we fail to develop as we should?

The spirit of our mind is renewed (Eph. 4:23) by the word of God. As we read, study, and learn of God’s standards of righteousness and holiness, we understand what needs to be put off and put on. God’s word tells us to put away lying and speak the truth, to handle our anger in an appropriate way, to work and be generous, to stop corrupt speech, etc. (vs. 25-32). The word of God has been revealed through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 2:10-13; 2 Tim. 3:16-17; 2 Pet. 1:19-21). The Holy Spirit is also present in our lives, confirming that we are saved (Rom. 8:16) and helping us in our weaknesses (v. 26).

We have been sealed by the Holy Spirit for the day of redemption (Eph. 4:30). This sealing of the Holy Spirit is not a preservative (as in a seal when one is canning fruits or vegetables), but a pledge. “…you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession…” (1:13-14). The Holy Spirit was given to us as a pledge or promise of the full inheritance we will receive at the end of the age. God did not save us and then abandon us to make it to heaven on our own. He gave us His Spirit to help us grow and develop so we can serve Him faithfully until the day of redemption.

The word “grieve” is translated from the Greed word lupeo which means to cause severe mental or emotional distress, to afflict with heaviness of heart. When we fail to heed the Spirit’s instructions, we are disrespecting both the Spirit’s work and His concern for our spiritual wellbeing. Such rejection and rebellion will cause the Spirit to experience deep sorrow, much like the parents of a wayward and foolish child (Prov. 10:1; 17:25). Doing this to the Holy Spirit brings severe consequences. “But they rebelled and grieved His Holy Spirit; so He turned Himself against them as an enemy, and He fought against them” (Is. 63:10).

The Holy Spirit has done much to save us from our sins and help us prepare for judgment day. Because the Holy Spirit is interested and involved in our ongoing sanctification, He can be grieved when our carelessness, laziness, or rebellion frustrates His efforts. Let’s give attention to our spiritual progress and make sure we are never guilty of grieving the Holy Spirit.