Conviction, Condemnation and Encouragement

Conviction,Condemnation and Encouragement

Clearing up the some of the differences and misunderstandings between C,C&E

Conviction
John 16:8 says, "He [God] will convict the world of their sin." Conviction is a threshold of understanding God and sanctification [to make pure or free from sin or guilt by continual change]. God is the only one who convicts us and can convict us. In biblical examples and example in my own life, conviction comes a lot of times in warnings or strong feeling of discontentment. Conviction is not given to make us feel guilty but to make us pure.Having an honest relationship with God is the only way to know and understand conviction.

Condemnation
Condemnation is to declare judgment or disapproval. Declaring judgment and disapproval might seem like that is what God is doing when he convicts us, but is is not.God is considered a righteous judge, he doesn't treat us differently when we sin. God wants no part is making us feel guilty, unworthy or ashamed because condemning makes us feel that way. He doesn't want us to condemn either, Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Roman 8:1). Sanctification does not feel like condemnation.

 Encouragement
"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds." (Hebrews 10:24) We do that through encouragement!  Encouragement is an act of giving truth through, hope, understanding, affirmation, sharing joy, support, prayer and comfort. Encouragement brings strength to get through life unlike condemnation which brings guilt and hopelessness. Encouragement is "the best stuff on earth" and love is the fulfillment. Encouragement is love. I want to be loved and you want to be loved. I need to be encouraged and you need to be encouraged. Even when we are lonely we have God. He is the intimate lover and encourager. (1 John 4:8 & 2 Corinthians 1:3-4)

Summary

Conviction is a threshold of understanding God and sanctification.God is the only one who convicts us and can convict us.God dose not condemn and neither should we. Sanctification does not feel like condemnation

Encouragement is an act of giving truth through, hope, comfort and affirmation. God is the ultimate lover and encourager.