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Condemnation or conviction
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Two
mutually exclusive reactions to sin
[July 07, 2007]
There are two paths one can take in response to
our own sin or sin we see in others. The two paths are condemnation
or conviction. Both are initiated by an awareness of sin, but the
two paths then diverge based on a choice we make. Let's explore the
meaning of the two words, look at their source and then look to the
Scriptures for more understanding.
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Condemnation response: The self-oriented part of us
determines to judge based on subjective criterion that says, "I am
my own God, determining right from wrong. I am making my own
decisions to suit myself. I can make a judgment on my sin and the
sin of others." The condemnation response is prompted by Satan, who
wants us to be focused inward. Conviction response:
Recognizing one's own vulnerability to sin stirs the compassion
within our new nature. Relationship with God and our love for people
become more important than our need for self-rule. The conviction
response is prompted by the Holy Spirit and brings one to an
attitude directed outward to others.
The Gospel of John, chapter 8, reports the occurrence of a woman
caught in the very act of adultery being brought before Jesus by the
Pharisees in an attempt to discredit Jesus. The Pharisees cite the
Jewish law which states that a woman convicted of adultery should be
condemned to death by stoning. They wanted Jesus to agree that the
woman was condemned by her sin. The woman was presented to Jesus as
a certain lawbreaker to be despised and punished. To comply with the
law, the proper response from Jesus would be to stone her for her
sin.
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 But Jesus confronted the condemnation by the Pharisees with a
challenge, "If anyone of you is without sin, let him be the first to
throw a stone at her."
What happened next was a spiritual flip-flop. Those Pharisees who
had condemnation in their heart and stones in their hands were
suddenly convicted by their own sin. Condemnation was trumped by
conviction. One by one, starting with the older Pharisees, they
dropped their condemning stones and walked away convicted.
Jesus asks in verse 10, "Woman, where are they? Has no one
condemned you?" "No one, sir," she said. "Then neither do I condemn
you," Jesus declared, "Go now and sin no more."
Prayer: Convict me, O God. Soften my heart to where I am
seeking you more than I seek my self-desires. Help me to not judge
others and assist me in my quest to "Go now and sin no more."
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