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Sometimes I wonder how I can go from being in such a good place with God … feeling peaceful, loving and patient.. but then something happens that sends me into an orbit of aggravation!!
It happened just the other day…
Things were going well. I’d had a lovely afternoon working from home. Alone. Life was peachy.
But then school got out and kids came home. Within 15 minutes of arrival, one of my boys did something and said something that wasn’t so peachy. Then he did NOT do something I’d asked him to do and let’s just say… I lost all my peace and patience right there in the middle of my kitchen.
I was not happy.at.all. And I let my precious boy know it in a not-so-nice kind of way.
Then I felt GUILTY and like the WORST MOM on the planet.
For a few minutes I was pretty sure that’s exactly how God wanted me to feel ~ so I wouldn’t act so ugly the next time.
But finally, after I’d almost convinced myself that I was the worst mom and had no business in ministry, I remembered something a pastor said about the difference between conviction and condemnation. He explained it like this:
Condemnation sweeps across our thoughts with generalized statements such as, You’re such a failure, You’re so hypocritical, or You can never be counted on. That is the accuser. His tone is condemning, questioning, and confusing. His accusations lead to guilt and shame.
But the Holy Spirit’s conviction will be specific. He will reveal a sinful action or attitude and instruct us on what we need to do to right the wrong: whether it’s restoring a broken relationship or returning something that isn’t ours. He’ll give us steps we need to take to change our behavior or attitude.
• Instead of You’re such a failure as a [wife, mom, daughter, friend], the Spirit might say, You were really critical the way you talked to _________ (your husband, child, parent, etc). You need to say you are sorry and ask for forgiveness. Then tell them something that will build them up instead of tearing them down.
• Instead of You’re so hypocritical, the Spirit might say, You judge others for gossiping, but you are doing the same thing when you talk about your neighbor at work. Tomorrow at lunch break, apologize for what you said and share a few things that are positive about her.
• Instead of You can never be counted on, the Spirit might say, You didn’t keep your promise to go see your mom today. Call her to apologize and maybe set up a lunch date for this weekend.
Satan condemns accusingly, to make us feel guilty. God convicts lovingly, to lead our hearts to repentance. {tweet this?}
Jesus’ convictios draws us away from destructive behavior that hinders our relationship with Him and with others. His goal is to bring us out of the darkness of sin and back into the Light, so we can walk with Him in the freedom of forgiveness and the confidence of His love.
The next time we blow it or lose it, let’s ask Jesus to replace our guilt-induced doubt with HIS grace-infused confidence, as we hold onto the promise that His grace is sufficient because His power is made perfect in our weakness.
If my P31 devotion or blog post resonated with you today, I hope you’ll ENTER TO WIN a copy of my new Confident Heart Devotional. I truly believe the stories and truths in it will change your life {like they have mine}!
Based on honest struggles we all have with comparison, self-doubt, fear of failing, and the life-changing lessons God’s taught me and ten other women, {whose stories are in the book} you will discover how to change the way you feel by changing the way you think – which will transform the way you live!
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This is exactly me. So many days I will lose my patience with my son & “blow up”. Immediately feeling guilty and ashamed. Doubting my abilities to be a good mother. I have experienced both the condemnation and conviction. I’m happy to say that more and more I’m hearing Jesus speak to me to immediately go give my son a hug, apologize for the way I reacted and calmly talk to him about what he did to make me angry (which I should have done the first time). Thank you for your words!
I have struggled with guilt for years. After reading all the comments, I realize I’m not alone in this. I found your devotion on condemnation and conviction to be very uplifting. It was just what I needed to hear today. Thank you Renee for sharing your thoughts. I would love to win a copy of your book.
This blog post really spoke to me. I try to control the hypocritical thoughts I give myself and the guilt and condemnation that goes with them. I know I am saved by grace and a new creation that needs to see and feel the Holy Spirit’s conviction when I do or act in a certain way. Love the examples given on how to know the difference between Satan’s condemnation and the Holy Spirit’s teaching conviction.
This really resonated with me. Thank you!
I REALLY needed this devotion today. I was not very “Godly” last week nor this weekend toward my husband and I see areas where I need to be the first to apologize and build him up instead of verbally tearing him down. Thank you for this necessary encouragement.
Thank you for this devotion! I feel guilty most days; mainly just for my thoughts. I do find that now as soon as a bad thought enters my mind I am praying for God to forgive me and get rid of it.
I so need your thoughts today, been feeling down and out, self blame and lack of confidence , energy and conviction. But God has paid the price and through prayer today, I feel better. Just need to remind myself and every one else, that with God all things are possible. alone, well, you are alone
Just what I needed to hear today. Said something hurtful to a friend and I needed to make it right. Afterward, there was no condemnation in Christ because I followed His word and humbled myself to make amends. Thank you for your ministry.
Thank you so much! “Condemnation thoughts verses conviction messages, that’s so good. I only pray that I can remember this important message. So very helpful when put into application.
I’m finally getting in touch with the Holy Spirit in my life…..because….I didn’t always ask Him for help, guidance, assistance, direction, prodding, peace, insight, and knowledge. I didn’t remember to ask…..
I went to Jesus and I prayed to God and I knew about the Spirit, but I didn’t know much about the Spirit…..so I didn’t go to Him. I do now…..what difference to feel His presence in me every day. A completeness…Beautiful.
this is what I needed to hear! I have been struggling so much. I have been blessed by your words & looking forward to being able to read your book when I can afford it (hopefully sooner than later). blessings!!!!
I loved your devotional today. It really spoke to me.
Great message as I have felt that same way many times.
So many times we do feel the guilt because of our actions. Why then, is it so difficult to go a apologize and ask for forgiveness. We (I) need to remember to trust God and not rely on Satan’s goals to make us feel guilt and down. As a Grandmother and Great-Grandmother, I feel my granddaughter could greatly benefit from this devotional. Please enter me in your drawing.
Thank you for sharing i wish to be counted in for the competition I need to be one of the winners
Confidence before his throne has been such a theme of my heart lately, something that I desire and pray grows in my life. It is so humbling how God reveals what is truly in our hearts through life’s bumps. We are all cherry until we get bumped in a tender spot and then the not so nice (Christ needing) us comes out. Thank you for your post, so authentic and refreshing to know we are all in this together.
Thank you!!!!!
Boy, as a mom of a 2 & 4 year old I doubt myself multiple times a day. I could really use this book.
Thank you for being so real. The explanation of the difference between condemnation and coviction , thank you. I wish I could afford to order a case of the devotionals to give away !
Love this!!! Thank you for sharing!