And when He comes, He will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: John 16:8 ESV
There I stood with my head down, too ashamed to look around me and every fiber of my being told me to run out of the door. I spent a lot of time looking at the floor and avoided making eye contact when attending church. I felt so unworthy to be there because of my past. Oh, I had been saved and baptized, but I was saddled with baggage and being ridden by the enemy like a packhorse. I was carrying shame, and it was a heavy load.
Jesus came to convict the world of sin, but I often see people walking around bound by shame because of something they did twenty years ago, repented of seventy times, and they think that God is still mad at them over it. Let me tell you this: God does not look at you like that. When you repent of something, it is gone.If you asked God about it again He will not know what you are talking about because He has put your sin as far as the East is from the West (Psa. 103:12).
To Convict means: to expose, lay bare, to detect, to reveal your mistake to you. When you repent, it is gone.
To Shame means: to humiliate, dishonor, and to disgrace. Fear and shame are tools of the enemy. They are like bullies and will not leave without a fight, but when you face them, they will flee.
Conviction is good and says: What you did was wrong. Apologize and dont do it again.
Shame is evil and says: You are what is wrong. You are no good and you will never be any good. Look at what you did. Why don't you just quit. The purpose is to get you to give up.
When you stumble, repent, tell God you are sorry about that, and then lift your head up and stand tall. Know that you are forgiven and washed as white as snow.As far as hanging your head down in shame, stop it! Never give into that trap. How can you ever lead others to Jesus when you look so miserable yourself? The joy of the Lord is our strength. The kingdom of God is righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Shame will only keep you back from what God has for in store for you. Let it go.
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