“There’s one thing we need above everything else; it’s something we don’t talk about these days. We need a mighty avalanche of conviction of sin.”
Leonard Ravenhill
I used to not like being convicted of sin. I thought it highlighted my faults, proving once again I’m flawed and not good enough, heaping shame upon my character. But then I had revelation of God’s gift of grace, and realized it was my act of sin I was guilty of, not who I am. Because Jesus was good enough and I am covered by His blood, there is no shame on me when I’m not good enough.
Conviction comes from the Holy Spirit. John 16:8 says, “When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment.” The Holy Spirit’s declaration of my guilt is like having a big spotlight shone on my wrong words, actions, thoughts, or motives. The Holy Spirit highlights my sin and I am grieved by what I’ve done. Yes, it’s uncomfortable, but I have discovered conviction is truly a gift from God.
Conviction proves we are sensitive to the Holy Spirit. When we’re aware we have sinned then it shows our hearts are not hardened, but still tender toward the things of God. Conviction confirms how much God loves us. He loves His children so much so He doesn’t want us to stay where we’re at. God cares enough about our relationship with Him, that He doesn’t want our sin to separate or cause a breach between us.
Psalm 32:5 shows us how to handle conviction. “Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the LORD’ and you forgave the guilt of my sin.” When the Holy Spirit convicts me of sin, I need to acknowledge it and confess it to the Lord. I am not to cover it up or sweep it under the rug, nor make excuses or rationalizations for it. Repentance releases God’s forgiveness for our sin and freedom becomes our reality when we receive His forgiveness.
The next time the Holy Spirit convicts you of sin, thank Him for the gift of conviction.
“Now is the hour we should humbly prostrate ourselves before God, willing to be convicted afresh of our sins by the Holy Spirit.”
Watchman Nee
Relevant Reflections:
What are your thoughts and feelings about being convicted of sin?
Confess and acknowledge your sin to God and receive His forgiveness.
Spend time in prayer thanking God for the gift of conviction.