David Diga Hernandez, a voice widely known for teaching on the Holy Spirit, recently shared a sobering message that every believer should take to heart.
In a recent video titled “Five Behaviors That Push the Holy Spirit Away,” Hernandez made one thing clear: “I don’t mean that the Holy Spirit literally abandons the believer. I mean that His influence is minimized in your life by certain things that you do.”
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Hernandez warns that these behaviors happen “little by little, gradually, day by day, moment by moment, decision by decision,” and can lead believers to become “used to life without the sense of his presence.” Below are the five behaviors he says every Christian must be aware of—because they grieve the Spirit of God.
1. Sins of Commission
“These are disobedient acts. We do things that violate the clear teachings of Scripture.” Hernandez referenced Galatians 5:19-21, listing “sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures… selfish ambition, dissension, division” among others. He cautioned, “You look up and you see that old habits have returned. You look up and suddenly you notice there’s no prayer life anymore… and you say, ‘How did I get here?’”
2. Sins of Omission
“This is neglecting to do what we know is right,” Hernandez explained. James 4:17 drives the point home: “Remember, it is a sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.” He challenged viewers, “Maybe the Holy Spirit told you to say something or to do something and you’re withholding your obedience… You’re afraid about how others might criticize you or perceive you.”
3. Ignoring His Presence
“The Holy Spirit is always there but rarely acknowledged,” Hernandez said, citing Psalm 51:11: “Do not banish me from your presence and don’t take your Holy Spirit from me.” He warned that the busyness of life can create a “pace and tension” that leaves no room for awareness of the Spirit. “If you’re not in it, I don’t want it,” he quoted Exodus 33:15, referencing Moses’ desperate dependence on God’s presence.
4. Lack of Faith
“This is doubting God’s ability. This is lacking trust in His Word,” Hernandez said. He reminded listeners of Hebrews 11:6: “It is impossible to please God without faith.” According to him, “When you live in fear, it’s because you’re thinking according to your own ability. But when you live in faith, it’s because you’re thinking according to God’s ability.”
5. Holding Grudges
“This one… you wouldn’t think necessarily affects your relationship with the Holy Spirit, but it does,” he said. “Holding grudges against other people actually minimizes the influence of the Holy Spirit in your life.” Hernandez illustrated how unresolved bitterness subtly overtakes the heart: “You start to judge them in a negative light… you collect those offenses and you begin to bury them deep.” He quoted 1 Corinthians 1:10: “Let there be no divisions in the church,” and John 17:21: “That they will all be one… so that the world will believe you sent me.”
Hernandez ended with an invitation, not just to awareness, but to repentance. “Father, we humble ourselves before you today and ask for your grace in dealing with these behaviors and issues,” he prayed. “Holy Spirit, we want your influence. We want your power.”
He issued a challenge all Christians should take up: “Say it again. Say, ‘Welcome, Holy Spirit.’”
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James Lasher is staff writer for Charisma Media.
