Convicted by the Holy Spirit?

[xrayx]

I see the phrase "convicted by the Holy Spirit" used quite often in the forums. Could someone explain what this means?

Thanks!

[ephraimanesti]

I see the phrase "convicted by the Holy Spirit" used quite often in the forums. Could someone explain what this means?

Thanks!

MY BROTHER,

You will probably get a bunch of different takes on "convicted by the Holy Spirit" according to different peoples' different viewpoints. My explanation would be that conviction by the Holy Spirit is much the same as being convicted by your conscience--i.e., you have a very strong feeling in your heart that something is right or wrong, good or bad, God's will for you or not, etc.

As Scriptures tell us, when we became a Christian, we are given the gift of God's Holy Spirit through which God can communicate directly with us and guide our lives. The "conviction" we feel regarding something is God's voice speaking in our hearts letting us know directly His will for us. The more surrendered we are to God and the more open we have become to His voice, the stronger the conviction will be and the more clearly we will experience the Spirit's conviction.

IN CHRIST,
ephraim

[WashedClean]

Ephraim gave a good explanation. I would just add that conviction of the Holy Spirit should eventually bring us to repentance. Condemnation is from the enemy and just makes us feel oppressed and guilty. This is not God's will. Conviction is like a parent disciplining their child in love.

Hope this helps!

[TheGuide]

MY BROTHER,

You will probably get a bunch of different takes on "convicted by the Holy Spirit" according to different peoples' different viewpoints. My explanation would be that conviction by the Holy Spirit is much the same as being convicted by your conscience--i.e., you have a very strong feeling in your heart that something is right or wrong, good or bad, God's will for you or not, etc.

As Scriptures tell us, when we became a Christian, we are given the gift of God's Holy Spirit through which God can communicate directly with us and guide our lives. The "conviction" we feel regarding something is God's voice speaking in our hearts letting us know directly His will for us. The more surrendered we are to God and the more open we have become to His voice, the stronger the conviction will be and the more clearly we will experience the Spirit's conviction.

IN CHRIST,
ephraim
Good response.

The Guide

[xrayx]

Ephraim & WashedClean,
Thank you both for the very clear explanations.

God bless,
Ray

[Elijah2]

Hi Xrayx,

You got all the answers.

Now, many Christians get confused between guilt and shame. Now these come from Satan and his forces and they use this to confuse and put doubt in your mind. Many, still feel uneasy about things when they are new to the walk, and the enemy makes them uneasy about it all.

But, when the Holy Spirit convicts, it goes to your spiritual mind, your heart, and if it's sitting heavy on your heart, then you need to ponder on what is happening, and it usually is something that you have said to another, or something that you have done and you shouldn't have.

Now when the Holy Spirit convicts, and you know what it is, such as unforgiveness, anger, bitterness, resentfulness, pride, etc, then you confess and repent it straight away, and don't let the sun set on it.

[ephraimanesti]

Hi Xrayx,

You got all the answers.

Now, many Christians get confused between guilt and shame. Now these come from Satan and his forces and they use this to confuse and put doubt in your mind. Many, still feel uneasy about things when they are new to the walk, and the enemy makes them uneasy about it all.

This is a very important point for new comers to the Christian Path! As Elijah2 points out, it is easy to confuse feelings of GUILT--which come from the Holy Spirit's conviction and are meant to turn us back into the Light of Christ and His healing Love--with feelings of SHAME--which come from the Evil One for the purpose of leading us out of the Light and into the darkness of his lies.

Feelings of Guilt from the Holy Spirit say, "You did a sinful thing and need to repent before your Heavenly Father Who is waiting with open arms for your return."
Feelings of Shame from Satan say, "You are an evil worthless sinner and God wants nothing more to do with you. You have committed an unforgiveable sin and God has turned His back on you forever."

Communications from the Holy Spirit are always hopeful and positive and lead to Peace.
Communications from Satan are always negative and destructive and lead to turmoil, confusion, and despair.

Once you are aware of how the Holy Spirit and Satan do what they do, the difference will become obvious and you won't be tricked into holding negative feelings about God's Love for you.

ephraim

[xrayx]

Feelings of Shame from Satan say, "You are an evil worthless sinner and God wants nothing more to do with you. You have committed an unforgiveable sin and God has turned His back on you forever."

Sadly, I've had plenty of these thoughts lately. Almost exactly the way you put it too.

Once you are aware of how the Holy Spirit and Satan do what they do, the difference will become obvious and you won't be tricked into holding negative feelings about God's Love for you.



Thanks again! I feel much more at ease now.

Ray