Understanding the Conviction of the Holy Spirit
Adapted from Strength for Each Day
And He, when He comes, will convict the world about [the guilt of] sin [and the need for a Savior], and about righteousness, and about judgment.
The word convict in its various forms, such as convicted and conviction, can be used in a negative sense, such as in a trial, when someone is convicted of a crime. They can also be positive, such as when they describe a person of “strong moral convictions,” meaning strong moral principles or beliefs.
In biblical terms, the word conviction is used in connection with the ministry of the Holy Spirit. He convicts us of sin—not so we will feel terrible about what we’ve done when we fall short of God’s standard, but so we will repent, experience God’s grace, and find freedom.
Feeling convicted is not the same as feeling condemned. When you feel the conviction of the Holy Spirit, you know you have done something that is not pleasing to God, but you also know He loves you, and you are certain you will be forgiven. When people feel condemned, they feel a burden of guilt that they cannot seem to escape, and they feel hopeless. Condemnation is from the enemy, but conviction is a gift of the Holy Spirit, and it leads to forgiveness and freedom.
Prayer of the Day: Father, thank You for sending the Holy Spirit. Help me yield to His conviction so I may enjoy Your forgiveness and freedom. In Jesus’ name, amen.
