God's Holy Fire: 'Sorrow to the Spirit?'

Tuesday, January 20, 2026

And do not bring sorrow to God's Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption.
— Ephesians 4:30 NLT

Key Thought

Some other translations say "do not grieve the Holy Spirit." Two truths scream to be heard. First, the way we live matters deeply to the Spirit! Second, we can actually oppose and wound the Spirit of God who lives in us. As Galatians 5:13-21 reminds us, feeding the fleshly, sinful side of ourselves puts us at war with the Spirit of God. Things like telling lies to each other, acting out our anger, stealing, sharing unwholesome talk among ourselves, living with rage and brawling, and slander are all activities that bring the Holy Spirit sorrow (Ephesians 4:25-32). Living under the influence of the Spirit empowers us to go beyond these bad qualities as we are conformed to be more and more like Jesus (2 Corinthians 3:18; Galatians 5:22-26).

Today's Prayer

Sovereign God, I confess that I sometimes ignore the impulse of the Holy Spirit inside of me and act in ways that are inconsistent and hurtful to you. I want to be like Jesus - more and more under the influence and control of your Holy Spirit. Please open my eyes to your will, your presence, and your character as the Spirit leads me. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

14 Related Resources by Heartlight

Don't Break His Heart
Devo: God's Holy Fire
"Don't grieve God. Don't break his heart. His Holy Spirit, moving and breathing in you, is the most intimate part of your life, making you fit for himself. Don't..."
Spurgeon AM Devo for Nov. 21st
Devo: Morning & Evening
"All that the believer has must come from Christ, but it comes solely through the channel of the Spirit of grace. Moreover, as all blessings thus flow...."
Don't Bring Sorrow to the Holy Spirit
Devo: Together in Christ
"And do not bring sorrow to God's Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on...."
Ephesians 4:30-31
Devo: Today's Verse
"And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander,...."
See All 14 Related Resources about Ephesians 4:30

Illustration

Illustration of Ephesians 4:30 NLT — And do not bring sorrow to God's Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Tuesday, January 20, 2026

Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by Kenneth Boulding:
"Know this: though love is weak and hate is strong, Yet hate is short, and love is very long."
Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'Shout Joyfully to the Lord'
"Come, let us sing to the Lord! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come to him with thanksgiving. Let us sing psalms of praise...."
Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'God's Universal Promise!' (Acts 2:38-41)
"[Peter's sermon on Pentecost led the people to ask what they should do.] Peter replied, "Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be...."
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'God's Children, Israel' (Ro. 9:1-18)
"Dear Father, Keep me and all who are related to me from any hint of hatred toward Israel, your ancient people. Let us love them and pray for their..."

About This Devotional

God's Holy Fire is a daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

The Thoughts and Prayer for God's Holy Fire are written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
Scripture quotations marked MESSAGE are taken from THE MESSAGE, copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress. All rights reserved. Represented by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.

More God's Holy Fire

Translations