Vexing the Holy Spirit
Today’s Verse
But they rebelled, and vexed his holy Spirit: therefore he was turned to be their enemy, and he fought against them. ~Isaiah 63:10
Grief is sorrow that we experience when someone we know or love passes away. The use of the word “grieve” has a broader meaning. It means to have hurt, pain, sadness, aching, and suffering. The word “vex” is closely associated with the word “grieve.” Isaiah speaks about the Holy Spirit being vexed, or grieved. Perhaps one of the most overlooked areas of our spiritual life is when we have vexed, or grieved, the Holy Spirit.
We see the cause.
“But they rebelled, and vexed his holy Spirit.” Our disobedience is a major reason why the Holy Spirit is grieved. Paul elaborates in greater detail on this in Ephesians 4:29-32. Corrupt communication, bitterness, wrath, anger, clamour, evil speaking, malice, unkindness, and unforgiveness will grieve the Holy Spirit. We categorize these sins as sins of the spirit and sins of speech. All of these sins are the exercise of pride, self-will, and stubbornness. Any of these will instantly trigger pain, sadness, and hurt to the Holy Spirit. Our spirit should identify with the Holy Spirit when we transgress by committing one of these triggers.
We see the consequence.
“He was turned to be their enemy, and he fought against them.” Fellowship with God is broken when we grieve Him. We give place to the devil. In other words, we have allowed the devil to enter into a key area of our life, and we have forfeited a life of victory. Our prayers become ineffective. “If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me.” Our relationships with people we have offended are hindered. We can become callous and indifferent. We are powerless against the enemy. Our faith is hindered and we tend to doubt God instead of believe God. It is a losing situation for us when we grieve the Lord.
We see the cure.
Thankfully, there is a cure for grieving the Holy Spirit. First, we must confess our sin to Him, forsake it, and ask for forgiveness. Second, we must bring every thought captive to the Lord. Third, we must take back what we allowed Satan to overthrow. Fourth, we must seek to live peaceably with all men. Fifth, we must speak truthfully with all men and not be double-tongued. Sixth, we must be a consistent witness for the Lord and win souls to Christ. Seventh, we must spend more time in prayer. The cure is living an obedient life to God and having a servant’s heart to all men.
Seek to honor and glorify the Holy Spirit by walking in the Spirit. We know that we are walking in the Spirit when the fruit of the Spirit is prominent in us. “The fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth.” Be conscious at all times of your spirit and your speech. Let’s not exasperate Him, but, instead, exalt Him.
Have a Spirit-empowered God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Numbers 5-6