stephen R Harrison

I recently counseled someone about some sins from their past.
While they had not been involved in them in a while, they still felt shame and condemnation from them years later. They had asked for God’s forgiveness, but didn’t feel forgiven. It’s not a bad thing to be aware of the potential consequences sin may bring if committed. Potential consequences and past sin can be good teachers that keep us away from future sins. I’ve learned personally, however, that awareness of potential consequences will not always keep you from sinning. We need something more, something greater, something more desirous. We must be more aware of walking with the Spirit and abiding in God’s love and good will for our lives. Oneness with God is always a better motivator than consequences of sin. We don’t stay away from sin primarily because of bad consequences. We stay away from it because we desire to be close to God and live a life unto Him! Sin separates us from God, but I’m so thankful God forgives and restores! His Spirit’s conviction calls out to us to warn us from harming our intimacy with Him and to draw us back into fellowship.

Sometimes our past sins want to hang on to our present lives and even dictate to us our future! Satan loves to be an accuser of the brethren and throw our past in our faces. God does not work in condemnation, guilt, and shame. He doesn’t say, “Shame ON you” but “shame OFF you.” Condemnation, guilt, and shame are tools of Satan meant to tear you apart. Satan is a thief and his goal is to steal, kill, and destroy your life (John 10:10a). Jesus came for us to enjoy life in Him to the full in abundance till it overflows (John 10:10b AMP). Satan wants to condemn you in the sins, heartaches, and hurts of your past. John 12:47 says, “Jesus did not come into the world to condemn the world, but to save it”. Conviction is God lovingly steering you back to Him. Just like a loving parent who steers their kids out of the dangerous street or lovingly disciplines them to protect and train them rightly, God convicts us through the Holy Spirit because He loves us. John 16:8 says the Holy Spirit convicts us of sin. Conviction is an incredible gift from the Holy Spirit. It is a good thing! It means God is still talking to you and attempting to draw you back to Himself.

Condemnation loves to point out your failures and problem without showing you the forgiveness and solutions that come from Christ. Romans 8:1 tells us, “There is therefore no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and death.” Life in Christ, which includes conviction of sin, forgiveness, grace, mercy, compassion, and love, gives you freedom and forgiveness from sin, failure, heartache, and hurt. Satan loves to accuse the brethren (Revelation 12:10) and point out their failures. Jesus loves to forgive failure and sin and heal hurt and heartache. If we confess our sin Jesus is faithful to forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). God will show you your sins, but He doesn’t want to leave you in them. He desires to rescue you from sin. If we’ve sincerely asked for forgiveness, we must learn to continually walk in it and God’s amazing grace instead of shame.

Conviction is different from condemnation. Conviction is the person of the Holy Spirit showing you the error of your sin but also showing you the forgiveness of God at the same time. Romans 2:4 tells us it’s the kindness of God that leads us to repentance. God isn’t trying to shame you and point out how much of a failure you are. He is, however, ready to point out your sin because sin is what separates you from Him. He desires for you to be in a close relationship with Him so He’s quick to lovingly point out solutions to the barrier of sin that comes between you and Him. Condemnation says, “Run away because of how much a failure you are” but conviction says, “Run to Me (Jesus) because I love you and want to forgive you.” Condemnation screams failure. Conviction screams forgiveness!

True love, which originates from God (1 John 4:8), does point out sin for the sole purpose of restoration to Jesus and His Church. Someone who points out your sin to shame, condemn, or cause harm is not exercising Christ-like love. It is right to confront people in love in their sin. Galatians 6:1 tells us, “Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.” We should approach someone in love with gentleness for the purpose of restoration to Jesus and His Church not for vindication or retaliation.

God desires to forgive you of your sins and restore relationship with you. He wants to heal you from the hurt of your past sins the devil keeps throwing in your face. Isaiah 30:18 tells us, “The Lord longs to be gracious to you and waits on high to have compassion on you.” His conviction shows you the answer to the problem of sin – forgiveness and grace! The Gospel, which is the good news of Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection, wipes away our sins (Ephesians 1:7; Acts 3:19). On the other hand, the devil’s condemnation perpetually shames you through your sins and desires to label by your sins for a lifetime. Conviction by the Holy Spirit is the answer to condemnation by the devil. His conviction leads to repentance (turning away from sin to Christ). Repentance is met by God’s forgiveness and grace through Jesus that saves and reminds you of the new creation you are in Christ.