As we are getting close to Pentecost we need to reflect on the Holy Spirit and what it does for us and for God himself. One of the aspects of the Holy Spirit is that it functions in an independent way much like the human spirit does in a body. The Spirit also reacts to deeds done in the body just as much as our spirit reacts to what we do in the body.

Ephesians 4 Shows how Paul had to remind the people of God with the Spirit that we are prisoners of the Lord, which is somewhat in contrast to submitting yourself. In this case those we address in chapter 4 have already submitted to being a prisoner or being captive to Him. In being so they need to conduct themselves according to being in that captivity. In Ephesians 4:30 we see the Holy Spirit actually reacts emotionally to situations, especially those that work against it.

Ephesians 4:29

29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

This passage directly addresses the emotional turmoil of people not getting along with each other. Without the Spirit we tend to go into our own carnal nature which inspires unwholesome behavior. We see this especially in the world today where it seems the restraints of humanity have come off and all manner of perverse behavior has become the norm. This includes lashing out with words and condemning others, even at times unjustly. Earlier in Ephesians 4 he shows us that we must dwell in unity of the spirit and to reject this sort of behavior against others in the body.

Paul shows us that these types of behavior grieve the Holy Spirit, the very personality of God, and also his Son Jesus Christ. What does this mean?

The Greek word used here is ‘Lupeo.’ To cause pain, greif or sorrow. In this case in Ephesians 4 the context means to make sorry or sorrowful.

In other words when you speak degrading to people in the faith or harbor bitterness, rage or anger you are making the Holy Spirit sorry. It is the same story as if you worked really hard to give somebody you love a great gift only to see them not appreciate it or use it wrong or without reverence for the labor that went into making it a gift. Or to refuse it with contempt. It is a deep penetrating sorrow. It is also likely in this case and in the example given that the giver will not give to you in the same reverence and labor again. Another reaction is to pull away from the recipient because of their behavior.

One thing that needs to be abundantly clear is that in order to have grief there has to be love involved. You cannot separate them. Grief is experienced when love is being challenged or lost. The Holy Spirit is the indwelling of God’s love.

Christ experienced ‘Sunlupeo’, a passive form of sorrow in Mark 3:5 when those around him including the Pharisees were angry because he healed on the Sabbath Day.

5 He looked around at them in anger and, deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts, said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and his hand was completely restored.

The inclusion of ‘sun’ in the Greek suggested that his anger was mixed with grief.

This would be the same as if somebody you deeply love hurt you in an unjust way. In Christ’s case he withdrew from those people in those emotions. A great miracle he performed was treated with the wrong response. He was justifiably angry and sad because he wanted this for good reasons. He also loved them very much. This same emotional response is felt by those going through those who experience deep issues in marriage such as adultery. It’s an emotion experienced in the ones who it was committed against but did not warrant such behavior by the other person.

So when you are upset with others in the faith to the point of becoming out of control of your emotions keep this in mind that you will grieve the Spirit. Sometimes you have to respond in harshness and truth but it has to be done with the love needed behind it. That love will keep you from working your emotions up to ruling over you where Christ and the Holy Spirit belong in your life.