Conviction versus Guilt and Shame

As we grow spiritually it's important to understand the contrast between feeling convicted and feeling shameful because there is a distinct difference. Conviction comes from the Holy Spirit and shame is what the devil uses against us in order to keep us from making positive changes in our lives, his goal is to prevent us from walking closer with the Lord.

2 Timothy 3:16-17

"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

A biblical conviction is the result of the Holy Spirit awakening humanity to a sense of condemnation because of our sin and unbelief.

Conviction functions differently for the Christian and non-christian. For the non-christian, conviction reveals sinfulness, guilt and brings fear of God’s righteous judgment. Whereas a conviction in the believer brings an awareness of sin and results in repentance, confession, and cleansing. Conviction of sin brings man to the cross and shows the need for forgiveness.

Titus 1:9

He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.

Theologically, conviction is produced by four things: the Holy Spirit, the Gospel, the Law, and our conscience.

The Holy Spirit (John 16:7-8) NIV

"But I tell you the truth; It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment."

The Gospel (Acts 2:36-38) NIV

"Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ. When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, 'Brothers, what shall we do?' Peter replied, Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."

The Law (James 2:8-9) NIV

"If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, "Love your neighbor as yourself," you are doing right. But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers."

Conscience (Rom. 2:12-15) NIV

It is the little voice inside us telling us what we should or should not do.

"All who sin apart from the law will also perish apart from the law, and all who sin under the law will be judged by the law. For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God's sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous. (Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law, they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law, since they show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts now accusing, now even defending them.) This will take place on the day when God will judge men's secrets through Jesus Christ, as my gospel declares."

Remember friends, God is always speaking to us through the Holy Spirit, don't allow the devil to use shame and guilt to keep you from becoming who God created you to be. I will tell you when God convicts me I welcome it because I cannot become the person He wants me to be if I'm not willing to humbly look at where I need to change and grow.

We need to ensure that our thoughts, words we speak, and our actions align with God's Word. I'll be the first to tell you that mine do not always align with God's and I repent daily. God humbles me when I am open to his convictions. I realize I am human, and I know I will make mistakes, not that this excuses my behavior because it doesn't. Instead, it means I am aware as a human I'll never be perfect because we live in a sinful world, but I can strive each and every day to do better and be better. I hope you are encouraged to do the same!

2 Corinthians 13:5 Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you - unless, of course, you fail the test? And I trust that you will discover that we have not failed the test. Now we pray to God that you will not do anything wrong. Not that people will see that we have stood the test but that you will do what is right even though we may seem to have failed.

I thought this chart was worth sharing, when God speaks to our hearts we need to make sure we are willing to humbly admit and repent of our faults. We need to allow God to teach each of us the right way to speak, act, and be with others so that we can grow spiritually and walk closer with Him.

Written by: Jill Theriault

Crossroads Coaching - @crossroadscoachingongodstime