Sometimes I wonder how I can go from being in such great place with God — feeling peaceful, patient, and kind – and all of a sudden something happens that sends me into an orbit of aggravation!
The other day I was working from home. Alone. The house was quiet, and I was feeling all kinds of productive. That afternoon marked the final stretch of a big project, and I was looking forward to family dinner and game night. Life was peachy.
Then my kids got home from Grandma’s, and one of them did something that was not-so-peachy!A few minutes later, another one did not do something I asked him to do.
And, I lost all my peace and patience right there in the middle of my kitchen.
Later that night, the soundtrack of my words replayed in my head as guilt tried to convince me I had permanently damaged my kids’ emotional well-being. Then shame shook its finger in my face and told me I was the worst mom on earth.
I was about to agree with both of them when I remembered something a pastor once taught about the difference between conviction and condemnation.
He explained that condemnation sweeps across our thoughts with generalized statements: You’re such a failure. You’re so hypocritical. You can never be counted on!
That is the accuser. His tone is condemning, questioning, and confusing. His accusations lead to guilt and shame.
In contrast, the Holy Spirit’s conviction will be specific….
CLICK HERE to read the rest of today’s post on the (in)Courage blog, where I’m sharing how we can know the difference between conviction and condemnation. I’d love to hear your thoughts.