Commentators explain that "grieving" the Holy Spirit is deeply personal. While God doesn't experience human emotions, the term highlights that sin isn't just breaking a rule; it's acting in a way that would wound a loving friend. Scholars like Calvin compare it to making one's home so unpleasant that a cherished guest—the Spirit—is saddened and feels unwelcome. This reframes sin as a relational offense against the indwelling God.