Are you seeing the tenderness of the Holy Spirit?

Tenderness is truly a strength to be admired. Paul charges us to be tenderhearted. If I want to enjoy a healthy, vibrant relationship with my wife, then I had better be tenderhearted and speak accordingly toward my sons. Likewise, in order for us to enjoy a healthy, vibrant relationship with the Holy Spirit, we must be sensitive to the things that bring Him sorrow. It’s quite interesting that Paul identifies bringing deep sorrow to the Spirit with the following behavior: foul or abusive language, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander. It’s very much the same as my wife being grieved by similar behavior. Again, is this not evidence that the Spirit possesses a great relational strength that we typically consider to be feminine?

Notice Paul doesn’t say, “Don’t grieve Jesus.” Likewise, he doesn’t say, “Don’t grieve the Father.” He specifically says, “Don’t grieve the Spirit.” The Holy Spirit has made our hearts His dwelling place. Everywhere we go, He goes; that is an intimate association. Therefore He is deeply affected by what we allow into our lives.

Consider this from a different angle. If someone cusses me out, it’s no big deal. But if someone cusses my wife out, they’re in big trouble. Jesus made a similar point when He said, “Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man [Jesus], it will be forgiven him; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him, either in this age or in the age to come” (Matthew 12:32). Isn’t it interesting that God the Father (revealed through the Son who only spoke His Father’s will) places His protection on the Holy Spirit? The Father didn’t evoke this type of protection on how we relate to Jesus or Himself, but He did so with the Holy Spirit.

The relationship between the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit is a mystery that we may never fully understand. It is interesting to note this distinction in our relationship with the Holy Spirit. Our interaction with Him is to be treasured and protected. It is important for us to remember that we can cause Him sorrow, at times even deep sorrow. Why is this so important to your relationship with Him? Because the manifestation of His presence in your life will be thwarted if you lack understanding of how you should relate to Him.

Day 5

He Is Sensitive, Yet Strong

The Holy Spirit is called the Comforter, correct? Who do children typically run to when they get hurt? They run to their mothers. In view of this, several states have created policies that highlight the role of female officers in addressing juvenile crime. Hawaii has a policy that encourages a female officer to be the first to interact with a recently arrested juvenile. They have learned that these juveniles respond better to female officers. Women naturally exhibit an innate ability to comfort and console. Again, in making these statements, I am not saying the Holy Spirit is a woman.