“For godly sorrow produces repentance to salvation, which brings no regret. But the sorrow of the world produces death.” (2Co 7:10 WEB)
Conviction Versus Condemnation
When the Holy Spirit convicts you (brings godly sorrow), it is for your benefit and spiritual growth. It may be challenging to struggle against your own desires, but God will empower you to overcome. He will graciously warn you when you’re about to make a wrong decision and offer you the choice to follow His will or your own. On the other hand, when the adversary of God condemns you (brings worldly sorrow), it leaves you feeling unloved and rejected by God. Often, this condemnation is related to your past, something you cannot alter, a challenge you haven’t been enabled to overcome yet, or the choices made by others. Essentially, condemnation is beyond your control and ability to change.
Conviction Example:
Around six months after I quit using drugs and alcohol, I was still facing difficulties in standing firm. I constantly prayed about it, but I still felt deeply inadequate and had a strong desire to hide from myself. During this challenging period, I met another woman who had walked away from substance abuse with no struggle. Adding to my burden, other Christians would repeatedly tell me that if I truly wanted to be free, I would be. I couldn’t comprehend why my battle seemed so intense, so I turned to God with a heavy heart. I asked Him, “Father, if you love me, why am I not free? So-and-so is free.” God responded, “I loved you enough to send My Son. Stop trying to manipulate me and your husband. I’ve had enough.” It was then that I realized I had been unknowingly attempting to manipulate God, and His words struck me deeply. I started paying attention to how I interacted with others and noticed my manipulative tendencies. Every time I caught myself in the act, I asked for forgiveness from the person I was speaking to. I received some strange looks during this time, but with the help of the Holy Spirit, I gradually overcame my manipulative behavior. Addressing my feelings of inadequacy, however, took longer, but God remained faithful throughout. In the end, I discovered that the woman I had compared myself to had different reasons for being involved in the drug scene – she was there to make money while I was trying to hide. Interestingly, we crossed paths again, but this time, I was serving as a minister in jail while she was an inmate.
Condemnation Example:
Throughout the years, my mother and I engaged in many heartfelt discussions about walking with God. My love for her was profound, and I longed for her to experience true freedom. However, as I saw no transformation in her, all the effort seemed in vain. I started feeling burdened by guilt (condemnation). It was then that God reminded me He never promised that my mother would change; He only asked me to be a source of love and support. Ultimately, her response to the witness was a personal matter between her and God, as we all possess the freedom to make our own choices.
"… But he who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. Let’s not be weary in doing good, for we will reap in due season, if we don’t give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let’s do what is good toward all men, and especially toward those who are of the household of the faith." (Gal 6:8-10 WEB)
"Don’t be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." (Rom 12:21 WEB)
