Condemnation always leads to guilt-laden discouragement, while conviction- though often painful in pointing out our wrongdoing- still somehow encourages and lifts us, giving us hope to rebuild on.

                                              Priscilla Shirer

Friend, as we read, let the Holy Spirit shed light on the contrast between condemnation and conviction.

 * Conviction from the Holy Spirit is wrapped in the love and care of the Lord while condemnation is wrapped in judgment and hopelessness.

* Condemnation magnifies the issue at hand, while conviction magnifies the resurrected Christ

   * A convicted heart bathes in the love and forgiveness of God and wants to change its ways, A condemned heart drowns in ignorance and desperation.

 * Conviction will lead you toward positive change in that area, while condemnation is a prison that will block you from any forward movement.

   *A convicted heart can be healed and refreshed. A condemned heart is wounded again and again and can become hard.

   *A convicted heart nurtured by the Holy Spirit will abound in the fruit of the spirit while a condemned heart will continue to walk in old ways as it sees no hope

   * Condemnation tells your heart you are guilty and worthy of punishment. Conviction tells your heart you are worth much more in Christ, and you need to repent and turn away from unworthy ways – that does not reflect who you are in Him.

 * A convicted heart acts in love and mercy toward others while a condemned heart acts in condemnation of self and others.

Last but not least, friend let us never forget that conviction from the Holy Spirit has been made possible only by the heavy price Christ paid for us at the cross, and let us ever be grateful to the Lord.

Let us pray,

Dearest Abba,

Help me to resist the arrows of condemnation and accusation the devil throws at me (through my thoughts or others’ actions or words). I forgive anyone who has treated me with condemnation, and I let them go. Let it settle in my heart that in Christ (no matter what I have done) there is NO condemnation.  Abba, convict me through the power of the Holy Spirit in the areas that are not pleasing to you, and let me turn my ways by your strength and grace.

In Jesus Name, Amen.

Remain Blessed,

IN HIM,

Deepa Sukumar.