Who Said That?

As a counselor, I have spoken with so many people who struggle with knowing the difference between the voices of conviction and condemnation.  Let’s start simple.  If you are a person who has accepted Christ, and are trying to live for Him, this takes precedence over anything else you need to know:
 

“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.”  Romans 8:1 
 
When Jesus speaks to you, He will speak to you according to the fruit of the Spirit which are:

​Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control
 
Some of the most common thoughts people wrestle with are, “You are dirty, you are not good enough, you will never be enough.  You are hopeless, you will never get through this.  God doesn’t want to help you, why should He help you?”  And many others….. 
 
A quick glance of this list of thoughts, next to the fruits of the Spirit shows us that NONE of these thoughts resemble the fruit of the Spirit.  These thoughts cannot be from God.  Conviction comes from God, condemnation comes from our flesh or the enemy of our soul.

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​Before Jesus died, both Judas and Peter betrayed him.  But both of those men dealt with their failures very differently.  Judas, as most of his know, ended his life.  Peter, however, let God forgive him and thrust him into ushering the church age.  Judas listened to the voice of condemnation.  Peter yielded to the voice of conviction.  Judas’ decision led him to death.  Peter’s decision led him to a life of living out his God ordained purpose. 

​Unquestionably, both Peter and Judas failed the Lord.  Often our failure first comes with conviction, but we let that conviction morph into condemnation.  God’s purpose is never that conviction would cause condemnation. NEVER.  That is why His Word states that there is NOW no condemnation.  In other words, every moment you are in is a “NOW” moment.  Therefore, every moment you are in is a moment that you are called to be free from condemnation.
 
So much of our walk with Christ is a walk of faith.  Will you say along with me right now, “Lord, by Your grace and by faith I choose to walk in conviction and not condemnation.  I will yield my mind to what You say is true.  I will not bow to thoughts that bring anything less than abundant life”.
 
AMEN!