Condemnation sweeps across our thoughts with generalized statements such as, You’re such a failure, You’re so hypocritical, or You can never be counted on. That is the accuser. His tone is condemning, questioning, and confusing. His accusations lead to guilt and shame. But the Holy Spirit’s conviction will be specific. He will reveal a sinful action or attitude and instruct us on what we need to do to right the wrong: whether it’s restoring a broken relationship or returning something that isn’t ours. He’ll give us steps we need to take to change our behavior or attitude.
• Instead of You’re such a failure as a [wife, mom, daughter, friend], the Spirit might say, You were really critical the way you talked to your husband, child, parent, etc. You need to say you are sorry and ask for forgiveness. Then tell them something that will build them up instead of tearing them down.
• Instead of You’re so hypocritical, the Spirit might say,
You judge others for gossiping, but you are doing the same thing when you talk
about your neighbor at work. Tomorrow at lunch break, apologize for what you
said and share a few things that are positive about her.
• Instead of You can never be counted on, the Spirit might
say, You didn’t keep your promise to go see your mom today. Call her to
apologize and maybe set up a lunch date for this weekend.
Satan condemns accusingly, to make us feel guilty. God
convicts lovingly, to lead our hearts to repentance.
Jesus’ convictions draws us away from destructive behaviour
that hinders our elationship with Him and with others. His goal is to bring us
out of the darkness of sin and back into the Light, so we can walk with Him in
the freedom of forgiveness and the confidence of His love. The next time we
blow it or lose it, let’s ask Jesus to replace our guilt-induced doubt with HIS
grace-infused confidence, as we hold onto the promise that His grace is
sufficient because His power is made perfect in our weakness.
Written By Renee Swoope
No comments:
Post a Comment