How do we know the difference between God’s conviction that turns on the light in our lives and the voice of condemnation which keeps us in the dark?
We look at the fruit! God’s words to us will always produce life and salvation in one form or another. For instance, if God uses conviction to correct us it will always be in a way that builds us up, makes us more whole-hearted, brings relief, gives direction, and aligns us with Him. Condemnation only condemns.
The fruit of the Spirit is produced by connection with Jesus. Love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
The fruit of condemnation is the opposite: judgement, bitterness, apathy, depression, aggression, unfaithfulness, attempts to control everyone and everything.
CONVICTION IS GOD SHOWING US HIS WAYS. This doesn’t mean that we won’t feel all the feelings, but when we process them with Jesus and He convicts us—shows us His ways—the fruit of the Spirit will bloom in season!
The true conviction of God always comes from love and brings freedom. It does not belittle, intimidate or shame us. It brings enlightenment, revelation and clarity.
Hallmarks of condemnation are feelings of disappointment and failure over who we are not and what we haven’t done well.
Condemnation shuts us down. God’s conviction inspires us to move.
Pray: Jesus, help me look at the fruit of my life.
Ask: Jesus, have seeds of condemnation taken root in my life? What are they producing?
Pray: Jesus, pull the weeds of condemnation from my life so that the good fruit can flourish!
– Cayce Harris and Debora Daniels Albrecht