Grieve

March 21

Grieve
lupeō
The word lupeō (G3076) means “to sadden, bring pain, afflict with sorrow.” It appears in Mat_26:22 and Mar_14:19, for example, where the disciples are “sorrowful” when the Lord tells them that one of them will betray Him.

Peter was likewise deeply grieved when the Lord asked him the third time if he really loved Him with a tender affection (Joh_21:17; see January 21). In 2Co_7:8-9, we read that Paul made no apology for making those believers “sorry” for their sins by what he wrote in previous letters because it was truth and because it brought them to repentance.

One particular occurrence of lupeō, however, is the most important of all: “And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption” (Eph_4:30). What a statement! It’s actually an allusion to Isa_63:9-11, where the prophet declares that God’s people “rebelled, and vexed his holy Spirit.” Here is a strong reminder of the indwelling Holy Spirit and the practical result of that doctrine.

While all sin saddens God, not just the ones Paul lists in the next two verses, the listed sins are apparently especially painful to the Holy Spirit. Why? Because they are particularly inconsistent in the Holy Spirit-indwelt life. As we have previously studied, nothing is more inconsistent in the Holy Spirit-indwelt life than lying, unrighteous anger, steal[ing], corrupt communication, bitterness, and the other the sins listed here.

As we meditated on January 30, we are sealed with the Holy Spirit. Therefore, because we are sealed until we go home to be with the Lord, we are to act like it now by not grieving the Holy Spirit through sin.

We’ll finish this thought tomorrow by examining what we should do with such sin.
Scriptures for Study: In Joh_16:17-33, what did Jesus say would turn the disciple’s sorrow into joy? According to 1Th_4:13-18, what is the cause of sorrow? What event will turn it to joy?

 
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