DON'T GRIEVE THE SPIRIT!!!

EPHESIANS 4:28-32

28Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need. 29Do 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. 30And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.31Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.32Be kind and compassionate to one another,forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

4: 28-32   We can grieve the Holy Spirit by the way we live. Paul warns us against unwholesome language, bitterness, improper use of anger, brawling, slander, and bad attitudes toward others. Instead of acting that way, we should be forgiving, just as God has forgiven us. We should encourage others every chance we get. Are you grieving or pleasing God with your attitudes and actions? Act in love toward your brothers and sisters in Christ, just as God acted in love by sending his Son to die for our sins.

4: 30   The Holy Spirit within us is a seal or guarantee that we belong to God. (For more on this thought, see the note on 1: 13-14.)

4: 32   Jesus taught this law of forgiveness in the Gospels (Matthew 6: 14-15; 18: 35; Mark 11: 25). We also see it in the Lord’s Prayer: “Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us” (Luke 11: 4). God forgives us, not because we forgive others, but solely because of his great mercy. Those who are unwilling to forgive have not become one with Christ, who was willing to forgive even those who crucified him (Luke 23: 34). As we come to understand his mercy, however, we will want to be like him. Because Jesus forgave us, our forgiving attitude toward others should stand out in striking contrast to the unforgiving spirit shown by most of the world.Tyndale. NIV Life Application Study Bible.

ON THE WAY HOME WALK WITH JESUS and make sure you are not GRIEVING THE SPIRIT, by any of our sins that we know are not good for our relationship with JESUS, and insure that your are living of life of FORGIVENESS, just as CHRIST FORGAVE US.

onthewayhomeministries.org by RICHARD DEAN BROOKS