CONVICTION COMES FROM GUILT

There are times we may feel someone's conversation is directed at us because of guilt that causes conviction.  Have you ever felt like the Pastor Sunday message was about you, that's because the message is helping us recognize our sins?  The only people that will be offended by the message of adultery are those who are involved with married men/women. The only people that will be offended by the message of evil and wickedness are those who have dark hearts.  The only people who will be offended by the message of betrayal are those who have betrayed someone.  Some people say that guilt is a horrible thing. In reality, guilt is a design God has put into our souls. It is similar to the pain we feel in our bodies when something is wrong, but the problem is with our souls and it is called conviction. The only people that will be offended by a message that does not mention their name are those who are convicted by their guilt.  If we do not relate ourselves to what is being said then it would not affect us, but if we can relate to it then our guilt will give us conviction.

Conviction is a formal declaration that someone is guilty of a criminal or an offense.  John 3:19-21 19 And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. 20 For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. 21 But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.”

Lord, in the same way, when we experience guilt, our conscience convicts us of our sins, which is the conviction of the Holy Spirit.   Father, we pray that You search our hearts and reveal to us and others who we really are in You and ourselves.  Father, let Your Word convict those who are guilty of dishonoring You and causing Your people pain or injustice.  “Dear Heavenly Father, so many people these days have a spirit of fear and we know that is not of You.  Lord, if someone feels conviction because of what is being said or written, speak to their hearts about the areas that they must surrender to You.  Father show us the places where we must release all footholds that have allowed the enemy to leak into our lives.  In Jesus name we speak clarity over our lives, we speak fruit that is sincere and comes from the heart.  Lord, give us guidance, hold our hand and show us the areas we must commit to Your will.  Father, cover us in the Blood of Christ and engrave His Word in our hearts so there will be conviction that brings on change, in Jesus name Amen