to say that God is convicting me of my sin lately is an understatement.
[SIN] in my terms:
lacks *complete* humility
is human nature
separates me from God’s peace
hurts those around me
opens a breeding ground for satan’s lies
etc…
why did i feel the need to put [SIN] in my terms? because this word sometimes lacks the thought-provoking depth it needs.
at times i desperately run from this word [SIN]. “sinners” are liars, thieves, abusers. i’m none of those things. “what’s the big deal?” these are things i surely have subconsciously told/tell myself – the problem is my sin consists of lies, it only steals from me my joy, and hurts those around me . “liar, thief, abuser.”
now my sin is personal to me. i’m no longer focused on my ideals of sin or sinners, instead, i’m focused on how this word pertains to me and my relationship with God. i feel convicted of making my sin seem smaller than it is. but the cool thing is that i don’t feel shame, or guilt. i feel an urge to repent and ask God to show me how to flee from my sin. this is His grace that i’m unworthy of, and this is how i know i’m convicted by the Holy Spirit who dwells in me. i know that if i’m feeling guilt or shame that it is not of God, but just another one of satan’s lies.
sometimes our sin can cloud our view of God. he becomes a dominator, intangible, and unbelievable…
Right on Heather. Accusation is from the enemy, Holy conviction is from God, But we can use the shame that the enemy so often accuses us of as a weapon against him…..by running to God in repentance…We are more then conquerors! Hating our sin proves we love God….but you know if we really knew the Love of God, how much He really loves us we would not sin……I believe Lord, help my unbelief!! Good Job Heather…..Hi Jimmy…Aunt Carolyn
P.S. True repentance is about changing. Even the desire to repent comes from god..What an awesome God we serve! He desires for us to repent but more then that He wants us to be rid of our sin instead of going around the same mountain over and over again, True repentance requires change! I like the Nike slogan…Just Do It! Yes and amen!