#1461. Do not grieve the Holy Spirit (26/2/26)

Welcome to this Come to Jesus Daily Devotional (posted, at present, every weekday) as we continue our Ephesians series: Ephesians - To the praise, for the purpose, in the power of God.

From Ephesians 4:30-31, let’s reflect on how we can grieve the Holy Spirit and so limit His fruitfulness in our lives and churches. 

To watch this devotional, please select the link below:

People often misunderstand what it means to grieve the Holy Spirit. In my experience, some think of it mainly in terms of not giving enough time or space to the gifts of the Spirit in our meetings. While the gifts certainly matter, the Spirit is far more concerned with loving, peaceful unity among God’s people.

Let’s remember that in regard to gifts, ‘without love we are nothing.’ Without love, even the most impressive expressions become ‘a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.’ The Spirit who gives gifts is the same Spirit who produces love, peace, patience, and kindness. He is grieved not so much by a lack of visible manifestations His gifts as by a lack of Christlike character.

Paul lists forms of speech and attitude that grieve Him:

• Bitterness (pikría) - Bitterness of spirit and language - harshness.

• Rage (thymós) - Wrath and fury over real or perceived wrongs done to us - offended. 

• Anger (orgḗ) - Feeling and expressing strong displeasure - hostility. 

• Brawling (kraugḗ) -  Crying out in anger - Shouting and yelling.  

• Slander (blasphēmía) - Defamatory, slandering talk - Gossip. 

• Malice (kakía) - Vice and sin - Summaries all these forms of speech as sin - sinful speech. 

This list should also shape how we use social media, the slogans we wear, the songs we write, the art we produce, and the videos we create or promote. The Holy Spirit is not only concerned with what we say in church meetings, but with the tone and content of our entire lives.

Response 

Let’s seek to please rather than grieve the Holy Spirit. Let’s promote rather than hinder His work and fruitfulness in and through us.

He has ‘sealed us for the day of redemption.’ He is the guarantee that we have been forgiven and will one day stand in God’s presence forever. He is the Spirit of adoption, filling us with assurance of the Father’s love and care.

How grievous, then, when those who are sealed by Him reflect not the character of Christ but the divisive spirit of the enemy.

Let’s be those who listen carefully to what the Holy Spirit is saying to us - and who, in response, speak in ways that reflect His heart.

Community Group Notes

1. Notices

It might be good to begin with notices. Please share from this week’s Church News. 

2. Icebreaker

Something that builds relationships and confidence to share; it’s good to regularly use this moment to ask the group: How has God been speaking to you from His Word this week, and how has this helped you? 

3. Worship together

Let’s begin our time together by lifting our eyes and hearts to worship our great God. Perhaps you have readings and songs that you would like to use together. Let’s be open to the gifts that the Spirit wants to give in order to encourage one another.

4. Study and pray together

Balanced Time Allocation - Please ensure a healthy balance between discussion, SIV (Serve, Invest, Invite), and prayer so that each section is meaningful and fruitful.

On Sunday we continued our series:

Ephesians: To the Praise, for the Purpose, in the Power of God

From Ephesians 4:25–32, the message was:

‘Let’s put on the things of the Holy Spirit rather than the devil so as to enjoy healthy relationships.’

Please read Ephesians 4:25–32 together before discussing.

1. Personal Reflection

• From Sunday’s message and this passage, what stood out to you? Was there anything the Holy Spirit particularly impressed on your heart? Is there an area where you sense God calling you to change?

2. v.25 – Put on Truth, Not Falsehood

• Why do you think truthfulness comes first in this list?

• How does dishonesty damage relationships and church unity?

• In what subtle ways might we struggle with truthfulness (exaggeration, concealment, image management)?

3. v.26–27 – Put on Peace-Making, Not Bitterness

• Paul says unresolved anger can ‘give the devil a foothold.’ Why?

• What does it look like to deal with anger in a healthy, godly way?

4. v.28 – Put on Usefulness and Generosity

• What does this verse teach about work, productivity, and purpose?

• How does usefulness connect to generosity?

• Are we being wasteful with our time, energy, or gifts - or intentional and fruitful?

• How might God be prompting us to grow in generosity?

5. v.29–32 – Put on Speech that Builds

• Where do we most struggle in the area of speech? (tone, criticism, gossip, harshness, social media, etc.)

• Why is speech so powerful in shaping the health of a church?

SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite)

• Being a light -  How does ‘putting off’ sinful patterns and ‘putting on’ Spirit-led character make the gospel attractive? In what ways does relational health strengthen our witness?

• Sharing Stories – Have you had any recent opportunities to Serve, Invest in, or Invite someone toward Jesus? Let’s encourage one another by sharing stories of how we’ve seen God at work through simple faithfulness.

• Practical Next Steps – Who might God be placing on your heart at this time? Are there any “people of peace” (see note) in your life—those who seem open, welcoming, or receptive to spiritual conversation? What is one small step you could take this week?

Let’s Pray Together

Let’s pray for one another in light of what we’ve studied and bring any other needs before God.

• Pray for courage, wisdom, and sensitivity to the Holy Spirit in our Serve, Invest, and Invite opportunities.

• Pray specifically for the ‘people of peace’ in our lives - that God would open hearts and deepen relationships.

• General prayer: From our study, or from personal needs, how do people want prayer?

For Church Finances

Our passage speaks of usefulness and generosity. Please pray for our church finances. Despite growth in numbers, financial giving has not increased proportionally.

Please pray:

• For cheerful and faith-filled generosity.

• For wisdom and stewardship as a church.

• Personally consider whether God may be calling you to begin giving or to increase your giving.