A young man called in to a radio program and explained that a spiritual battle was waging war all around him. Through frustration and guilt of his past sins, he doubted God. But the feeling of conviction and guilt over our actions is actually a wonderful sign. This shows that the Lord Jesus Christ is working in us. Most people don’t care about or understand the consequences of what they’ve done.

Jesus foretold to His disciples of the Holy Spirit bringing conviction: “When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment.” Conviction of sin (that is, evil behavior) comes from the Holy Spirit. If we feel conviction over something we’ve done that has disrupted our relationship with the Father, it’s a good thing. It drives you to confession with repentance.

Conviction should lead us then to repentance and restoration of our relationship with Jesus Christ. Even in the small things, let’s let the Holy Spirit convict us and then repent, and receive God’s total forgiveness. Let’s not shy away from the Holy Spirit but embrace Him so we can reach our world with freedom of conscience, with joy, and with excitement.  The world needs to see Jesus in you and Jesus in me. 

This is Luis Palau.