Conviction or Condemnation

Breaking news---We are not perfect. Okay, so maybe that is not news to most of us. We are flesh and blood and we don't always make the right decisions. But when we do, how do we handle it? Do we beat ourselves up and dwell on it, slowly sinking into a woe-is-me-pity party? Or do we ask forgiveness, repent, and learn from our mistakes? 

A hard pill to swallow, but I believe it depends on our spiritual maturity. As we mature and grow in Christ, the more we begin learning from our errors. Think of this this way, when young children do wrong and are caught, what do they do? Try to lie their way out of it or begin crying and saying they are sorry in hopes of avoiding punishment. But as they grow and mature, they begin to learn from wrong judgments and start taking responsibility for their actions.

As Christians, we need to acknowledge our sin. God is quick to point out when we are acting out of character. Then we need to ask for forgiveness. Let God know that you are truly sorry for your actions. Remember, He knows our hearts. Repent, and turn away from your sin. Ask God to help you, to strengthen you, to surround you with Godly people to support you. 

The problem is, do we really know the difference between the conviction of God and the condemnation of the enemy? Have you ever had a past sin come to your mind, even one that you may have forgotten about, and starting beating yourself up over it? Why? God has forgiven and forgotten it, He sees it no more. So why are we reliving it and tormenting ourselves over it? The enemy is condemning us. That is his job. And if we fall into that trap, he wins that battle.  
When we sin, God convicts us immediately. He doesn't wait until later that day or tomorrow or next week. We know exactly when we do wrong. Now we may chose to wait until later to actually acknowledge and deal with it, but God doesn't. 

Simply put, condemnation will dredge up past sin, whether from an hour ago or years ago. The conviction of God is instant and immediate. So don't let the enemy steal your peace. When he brings up your past, just say “thank you for reminding me how forgiving and loving my Father is.” And start praising God for His love, His mercy, His grace. Watch how fast the enemy will flee!