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HELEN SANDERS
11-30-2022
CONVICTION OR CONDEMNATION
John 16:13 says, “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.”
In John 16: 8 it says, “And when he (Holy Spirit) is come, he will reprove (to admonish, convict, convince, tell a fault, reprove) the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment.” We see this in Acts 2:37 where it says, “Now when they heard this, they were pricked (convicted, pierced) in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?” The Holy Spirit had brought this conviction to these unsaved people. Peter’s message brought forth the truth that caused them to want to repent.
Holy Spirit is the one that convicts us and draws us to Jesus Christ for salvation. He is the one that convicts us of sin after we are saved. He is the one that guides us when we listen. He is our spiritual guide and our spiritual GPS to keep us on track with God.
Often, when we see someone in a state of sin or going down the wrong path, we want to play Holy Spirit Junior, and bring correction to them. We often do this out of caring and love, but many times it causes more problems than good. People often respond that we are “judging them.” Yes, we judge sin in the church, but we often do not let the Holy Spirit be the one to bring conviction. Our words often bring the opposite, condemnation. Sometimes the best thing we can do is just pray for someone and let God work in their lives.
We must always listen to the leading or voice of the Holy Spirit when we share with others. We should ask ourselves before speaking, “Will this bring encouragement and reconciliation to the Father, or will it bring condemnation?” Then, if we aren’t sure, we should just remain silent and just pray. This is hard for those of us that like to see things fixed, but we aren’t the Holy Spirit. He is the only one that can minister grace when God tells us not to speak.
In Romans 8:1 (KJV) it says, “There is therefore now no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus (some corrupted bible versions stop here) who walk not after the flesh but after the Spirit.” Condemnation comes when we walk in the flesh continuously without repenting. Conviction comes as the Holy Spirit nudges us to get our heart right.
Are you guilty of being “Holy Spirit Junior?” If so, then repent. Ask God to give you a listening ear, and an understanding, loving heart to only speak when He says speak. Allow God to work in someone else’s life like he is working in yours.
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