Let's Not Grieve Him, Let's Please Him!

Posted: 05 Jun 2017 06:48 PM PDT
Let's Not Grieve God, Let's Please Him!
A false teaching is gaining popularity among Christians:
the belief that God is never disappointed in us because He forgets our sins and only sees Jesus in us.(1)

Scripture says believers can disappoint God:
If we couldn't disappoint God, He wouldn't give us this warning:

Ephesians 4:30: ...do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

Scripture also urges us to find out what pleases the Lord:
If we always pleased God, these Scriptures (written to believers) wouldn't be necessary.
Ephesians 5:10: …find out what pleases the Lord.
Colossians 1:10: …live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way…

Like any loving parent, God is disappointed in His children when we make bad choices. He doesn't cover his eyes and smile. He rebukes, corrects, and disciplines us for our good.

Hebrews 12:6: the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.
Revelation 3:19: Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent.

(1) This view has grown increasingly popular due to misunderstandings about "unconditional love." Please read Better Than Unconditional to identify those popular errors. Recently this error has also gained new followers through the influential fiction book, The Shack. On page 206 the lead character Mack asks The Shack god if he's ever been disappointed in him, and The Shack god emphatically says, "Never!" For more insights: Examining The Shack

For more scriptures and information on this subject, check out these 1-minute devotions:
God Sees My Sin
Forgive or Forget?