When Condemnation Meets Conviction 

We read an interesting story in John chapter 8.

John 8:3-11 KJV 3 And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst, 4 They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. 5 Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou? 6 This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not. 7 So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. 8 And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground. 9 And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. 10 When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee? 11 She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.

Right there at the end when Jesus asks the woman if anyone condemned her. She says no, then He says neither do I condemn you. You see Jesus doesn’t condemn, but convicts. 

Did you also notice earlier in verse 9 Jesus’ comments to the crowd caused conviction. He caused them to acknowledge their sins. This caused conviction which caused them to change. How did they change you ask? They were standing ready to stone this woman to death, but dropped the condemnation they held in their hands in the form of stones and walked away carrying the convicting words that Jesus spoke. He also gives the woman conviction. He tells her go and sin no more. He does acknowledged her sin, because it was important that she change. But He doesn’t beat her over the head with it. 

This is the way to tell the difference in that feeling that you feel. If you feel like you’re being beat over the head then you’re feeling condemnation. This will drive you away from God because it comes with shame and a feeling of not being able to be forgiven. The more you listen to condemnation the further you’ll run from God. Conviction on the other hand causes you to want to change. It does acknowledge your sin, but without hurling stones at you. It calls for you to change. For you must repent of your sins understanding that the goodness of God leads you to repentance(Romans 2:4 NHEB). 

If you’re feeling a guilt that is causing you to shy away from God because of fear of His judgment, then run from that condemnation and way of thinking. If you are feeling remorse for your sins that is causing you to want to come to God, then embrace it. Come to God because he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them (Hebrews 7:25 NET).

Romans 8:1 KJV There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

Psalm 86:5 KJV For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.