Embracing The Holy Spirit's Conviction

By Pastor George Sarkodie - Executive Pastor
“And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment” John 6:8 (ESV)

I had a good discussion with a Christian brother a few days ago. This brother was concerned about something, so he asked, “Why am I not able to do what I know God requires of me?"

Well, as your guess is right as mine, this is a tough question and there is not one answer to it. So, I didn't try to provide a direct answer.

However, I perceived the devil was trying to bring guilt on this brother, so I felt led to talk with him about the conviction of the Holy Spirit, rather than to say anything to support the condemnation from the enemy. These are some of the key issues that came up in that conversation.

  • Conviction is from the Holy Spirit.
Anytime you feel convicted about something, you should be happy. This may sound unusual, but that is how we are supposed to receive conviction. Because conviction is from the Holy Spirit and it’s good for us. When you are convicted of something, it simply means you have a good standing with the Holy Spirit. In fact, He can only convict you because He lives in you. A person without the Holy spirit may not even have conviction for a wrong action. Paul calls this a person with a debase mind – “And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting” (Rom 1: 28). That is a dangerous state, so be happy when you are convicted.

  • Conviction is an Opportunity for Growth
When the Holy Spirit convicts you of something wrong, it means God wants you to make it right. When we acknowledge our shortfalls before God, there is nothing shameful about it. Rather, it opens the doors of mercy for us to get grace to make it right.  In Isaiah 40:29, scripture says “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak”.

  • Listen to God, not the Devil
 Anytime the Holy Spirit convicts you of something, there is also the voice of the devil around. Beware of this and don't listen to him. Remember the devil is the accuser of believers (see Rev. 12:10). Many interesting turn of events happened around the time Jesus was arrested and crucified. Let's consider the cases of these two disciples - Peter and Judas. Both erred around the time of Jesus' arrest. Judas betrayed Jesus, Peter denied Jesus three times. Both Peter and Judas were convicted (compare Luke 22:60-62 and Matthew 27:3-5). However, Peter embraced his conviction, got restored, and later became the pillar in the early church. Judas did not embrace his conviction and went on to commit suicide. It is clear who each of these disciples listened to.

As long as we live in this flesh, we would encounter challenges and sometimes make errors. That’s why God, through the Holy Spirit has made conviction a good part of our Christian journey. Because the devil knows this, he tries to take advantage of these moments to bring condemnation. This is one of his schemes. As a child of God, always remember that the Holy Spirit will never condemn you. Condemnation is ALWAYS from the devil.

So, next time when you are convicted of something, see it as a good opportunity from God. Ask Him for strength to get out of it and move on. Don't bow your head in shame and don’t feel condemned.  Get up on your feet and let's keep going.
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8 Comments


Emily Burns - June 15th, 2023 at 2:35pm

I needed this message. Thank you!!

Lü - September 26th, 2023 at 7:49am

I super appreciate the reminder that condemnation is from the devil. It is an encouraging message to try again, and again after we sin. To not give up and run. We are convicted by His Holy Spirit yet I try to remember He loved us so much and He wanted to forgive us so He sent His only begotten Son as redemption. We must not overlook this beautiful gesture and gift of which it's already established that we are not worthy. I believe it takes grace on our parts to accept this gift and gesture. Which often is not easy.

Diana - June 26th, 2024 at 8:54pm

I need this message thank you

Marleni Sanchez - January 7th, 2024 at 10:52pm

Thank you, I needed this message. I don't know why I felt like doing a tarot reading. I've never done one in my life and I was convinced to do one. I was mesmerized by it. I began to pray to God for this because I know it's not good. On the 3rd day, I felt convicted and I asked God to forgive me and that I'll wait on his perfect timing and not seek other ways to get answers when Jesus is the answer! Thank you for this! God bless your ministry!



I feel better getting this off my chest! I'm so embarrassed of my actions!

Tun - February 26th, 2024 at 5:04pm

Thank you I needed this

Rick - July 12th, 2024 at 9:41pm

Well this resonated

nThank you Jesus

nJesus is strong in me

n Declare the favor of God Amen 🙏

Jayne - August 5th, 2024 at 10:08pm

A message very well said , and most definitely a lesson to be learned. It's so awesome that condemnation is growth in learning how God regards condemnation by asking Him for forgiveness of our sins! As a child of God, always know that the Holy Spirit will NEVER condemn His children. One can ALWAYS know when condemnation is from the devil because he has no means of forgiveness ; only evil attacks & temptations to try to destroy God's children!

zy - August 21st, 2024 at 1:46pm

What if I don't feel no conviction I'm so scared I was habitually sinning and now I don't even want to touch sin i feel so scared please I want to still serve him I want the holy ghost I have been crying for so long I'm only 15 ok I want hope but it speaks of nothing in the bible so please help I don't want to be like this please I asked God to make me sensitive again and he wont I have had thoughts of suicide because I feel to broken to be fixed no conviction because no guilt I have been saved for 3 years I'm never happy

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