“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.”
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. 32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.”
Ephesians 4:30-32, NLT
Sometimes we understand God’s gift of joy to us, it seems wonderful and truly remarkable. We realize that our lives would be quite hollow without it. But have we ever stopped to consider that we have the ability to give Him grief or joy? Is that really possible?
I believe we can bring Him a bouquet of flowers by just obeying!
I believe that the combination of obedience and worship absolutely thrills Him. This passage points out that when our faithfulness to His Spirit gets combined with our praise it’s a powerful combination.
This passage focuses on our obedience.
Verse 30 explains what happens when we obey (and when we won’t). The Holy Spirit goes into mourning when we make our wrong decisions. Our choices, our way of living, determine His sadness (!) or His happiness.(!) That fact should inform and direct us.
We’re now clearly marked people, given a written guarantee by all who understand, resulting in a definite salvation.
But we must respond properly. We’re called to renounce these sins that grieve Him. We can’t continue to be morally and spiritually ugly to Him, and to others around us.
At least if we don’t want to see His tears because of us.
What’s now open to us is this–-kindness, a tender heart, and forgiveness. The forgiveness angle is one that has a special depth. It’s forgiveness that plunges us into all that we’ve been given ourselves. He’s poured out all the wrath on Jesus, enabling us to walk away from the terrible punishment of our sins. We’re fully forgiven because He has absorbed our penalty.
We’re called to be gracious and loving. No matter what comes our way.
The idea of “get rid” makes these truths possible. A full pail can never receive another drop, and we can’t be filled unless the old one is dumped out. We can only receive it if we’re ready. But that decision is ours to make. (Choose wisely.)
This passage clearly reveals the outrageous grace of God that is focused on us.
If our disobedience in this results in God’s grief, then our obedience must bring Him joy. It seems we now have the freedom to walk godly. In a way we can see a delivery of a fresh bouquet of flowers into His throne room. But it’s our choice and our decision.
“Forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.”
Ephesians 4:32
