Have you ever wished you could know the difference between conviction and condemnation? Are you tired of feeling weighed down with guilt and shame?
If so, you’re not alone! I believe condemnation is one of our most common and crippling heart-struggles. And I’m determined to kick them to the curb! I hope you’ll join me.
In my Proverbs 31 Ministries devotion today, I share the major difference between condemnation and conviction.
Condemnation is usually a broad stroke of shame that sweeps across our thoughts with generalized statements about who we are in an insulting and accusing way. The tone of condemnation is always accusing, questioning, confusing and will leads to feelings of guilt and self-hatred.
Conviction is specific and won’t condemn us for who we are, but will be more focused on something we’ve done. The Holy Spirit’s conviction always includes wisdom and instruction to lead us towards resolution, not shame.
Condemnation focuses on the problem. Conviction offers a solution.
- Take a minute to write down the most frequent shaming, blaming or accusing thoughts you have that make you feel condemned.
- Using the contrasting examples between conviction and condemnation below, re-write the statement and replace your words of condemnation with convicting yet loving truths the Holy Spirit might say.
- Be sure to offer yourself forgiveness plus a solution that reflects God’s goal of restoration and His tone of grace.
Instead of the lie: “You’re such a failure as a [wife, mom, daughter, friend],” the Holy Spirit might say, “You were really critical the way you talked to _________. You need to say you’re sorry and ask forgiveness. Then say something to build them up instead of tearing them down.”
Instead of the accusing label: “You’re so hypocritical!” The Holy Spirit might say, “You judge others for gossiping, but you’re doing the same thing when you talk about your neighbor at work. Apologize for what you said today and share a few things that are positive about her.”
These are two steps to help us kick condemnation to the curb, and there’s more but….
** Due to technical roadblocks and major scheduling challenges, my “3 Ways to Kick Condemnation to the Curb” is not quite finalized. But no worries!! I’d LOVE to SEND it to YOU via EMAIL today this week. Just ENTER your EMAIL below!
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For months I have struggled under the weight of condemnation and emotional pain. I’ve been trying to use scripture to fight against the father of lies, but it’s feels like I’m swinging a sword in the dark. Today’s post really helped clarify for me that it has been condemnation (and not true conviction). Thank you for handing me a useful tool to use in this battle.
YES! I would love to join you on your quest to kick guilt and condemnation. I too never knew the difference and I always thought it was how God was condemning me. Now I know it is Satan. I would love to learn more about how to quit condemning thoughts when it comes to food issues and making choices to get healthier. I would love to learn how to have a confident heart and learn how to have more confidence. Thank you for taking time to serve Christ and build others up in Christ Jesus. You have blessed my day!
Renee
thank you for this message. I struggle constantly with condemnation confusing it with conviction at times. Especially in the darkness of my depression and anxiety. Now I feel better equipped for those arrows of condemnation the enemy shots at me. I worked through the three most condemning thoughts I get. I’m hopeful that in the future I can more easily recognize and then quickly take action to thwart the attacks of satan on me.
Thanks again!
My husband speaks so unkind to himself. It breaks my heart to hear him. I want to offer him insight to overcome his condemning words. Thank you for sharing.
Good Morning:)
I would really love to have the steps in overcoming and taking control of the emotions and feelings that come with guilt and condemnation. I always have and always do try to take care of everybody and everything and make sure that everyone is happy and when I fail at any of this , it weighs on me very heavily in mind, my heart for a very long time. Sometimes it may go away but seems to sneak back in and the feelings of failing hits me all over again.
God Bless:)
Tammy Dobson
It is challenging to identify the difference. Often the result of feeling bad about something causes the action to change but the source of that change is the key in me. Actual repentance leads to knowing God’s love better, condemnation may change my actions but only by animosity toward self leading further from God.
Satan loves to paralyze us by hitting our weaknesses. Thank you all ladies at Proverbs 31 for teaching from God’s word and explaining truths that help keep us strong in the Lord <3
Love this, grateful for this message of encouragement.
Totally relate to this. I get stuck in self doubt and I can’t find my way out – leading me to feel worse and then even act worse or absent since I’m stuck in my head. Really appreciate you sharing about repentance since that leads to peace and gives hope. Thank you.
Thank you for always sharing yourself and the Word with us. Your openness shows that we are not alone in our quest to serve the Lord through our own shortcomings.
Renee you and your heart ALWAYS speak to my heart and spirit. Thank you for the encouragement that we women battle with so much. I have those days like you as a mom and wife, sometimes they can be overwhelming. God uses you to encourage so many. God bless you!
I’m in the midst of such turmoil.My husband of 41 years is leaving me.I’m filling my heart and mind with all the godly teaching I can get my hands onto.
E Lord’s timing is so incredible. I am currently beginning to change myself to become physically healthy and strong after years of self hatred, eating disorder, and negativity. I became a Christian a few years ago and while the Lord has begun the healing process I have been shown lately that we have a long way to go! I am constantly overcome with thoughts like “I am so fat”, “I am so ugly”, “they think I am just fat and lazy”. I know these are not from God but now I have a name for them -condemnation. The Lord is using you this morning to speak directly to me (and to many other women with worst situations and stronger needs). Thank you God and Renee.
So many need wisdom me as well. The last ladies Bible study I attended was mostly full time out of the home employed and they looked exhausted. I’m sure they were trying but group building was missing. This would make an amazing study w a small group.
Wow, I have to say your words mirror my thoughts and my actions on a daily basis. Feeling the guilt, the shame, and just not good enough, and then beating myself up for feeling that way when I know that God loves me and those are not his words or his thoughts toward me.
Thank you for your encouraging words and words of wisdom that we all need to hear.
It wasn’t until I read your devotional tonight that I truly realised that my negative self talk is a tool Satan uses to condemn me. I often feel like God should hate me because I’m such a stuff-up (this has been compounded recently due to IVF failure, and so I feel like a failure on many levels like providing my husband with kids, my parents and his parents with grand kids and just.. Well.. It seems to come so easily to pretty much everyone else!). Thank you Renee, for your reminder that the Holy Spirit convicts (and is specific) rather than condemns (and being broad).
It would really be a blessing to me (and probably others too), if you could help/advise those of us who want to be mums but can’t be and the guilt and condemnation that comes with that.
And yes, I want to kick condemnation to the curb too! 🙂
I feel God has blessed me with so much insight and desire to serve Him in a greater capacity. He inspires me to use the talents He has given me in ways that would show His love, mercy to the world and glorify Him in the hearts of those I’m lead to minister to. But the devil keeps saying, “You’re not strong enough, talented enough, or smart enough to attempt such things.” I need all the help I can get to block out those statements of negativity and listen to my Father, who is able to strengthen me, and is the giver of talents and wisdom. My God who is able to do all He has promised through me if only I will listen to Him.
God’s timing never fails to amaze me. I’ve been trying to finally face this problem over the last few days through Bible study and prayer. Old habits are hard to break but I know our God is good and it’s not Him condemning me. This is one of the hardest things I’ve had to do but I am grateful it is not my strength or wisdom I have to rely on. Thank you for the encouragement!
Renee you really know how to lift some spirits up. I look forward to reading your devotionals everyday, its a reminder im not in this battle to keep my sanity alone. Others go thru what i go thru and god is on our side. God bless you!
I woke up this morning feeling awful about a situation with my son and so I tried to find excuses not to do my Proverbs 31study. Well, here I am and I was so surprised to begin reading and find this was just for me today. I have never heard the difference of condemnation and conviction. What a beautiful promise you taught me today that I can cling on to. God is good and provided just what I needed at the right moment. I would love the opportunity to win your resources.