60. No Judgment for You (Redemption #2)

The word “convict” can mean “to cast judgment as to guilt” or it can mean “to convince” (i.e., people in prison are called convicts, but beliefs we hold dear to use are often called CONVICTION).

Which one does God do to us— because we read the the Holy Spirit convicts us…?

Does He do the kind that is punitive?

Or does He do the convincing kind…?

My thoughts =

You’re not being punished…

When things are going quite as you planned, it’s easy to think there’s some cosmic judge behind the scenes, seeking to “mess up” stuff on your behalf and “give you what you deserve.”

(Especially in the area of RELATIONSHIPS & MONEY!)

Maybe you’ve even done the negative self-talk about that kinda thing…

“I’m so ________________________ [insert the negative phrase of your choice here].”

Been there, done it, have the t-shirt.

Let me offer you this perspective…

The voice inside of you (some people call it the Holy Spirit) isn’t here to convince you that you are bad, evil, janked-up, etc…

In fact, there’s one who IS called the accuser…

On the other hand, the Spirit convinces- ahh, let’s just say it, convicts- you that you are righteous.

Not wrong. But righteous.

Here's where I get that:

👉 Jesus took all judgment on Himself (John 12:32), 2,000. Years ago.

👉 The Holy Spirit takes what is His and gives it to you, constantly reminding you (read: convincing / convicting you) that sin has been handled and you are righteous (see John 16:12).

That’s right, the Holy Spirit persuades you about righteousness. He doesn’t do this by giving you a pile of bad things you've done or a checklist of good deeds which you need to do.

Rather, the Holy Spirit does this by convincing you- by convicting you- that you are free to be who you were created to be.

🎧 🎧 🎧 🎧 🎧