Shame, Guilt, Conviction

We Christians use the terms guilt, shame, and conviction, but we sometimes use them incorrectly.

For example, some claim that guilt and shame come only from Satan, not God.

It's true that Satan can tempt us with shame and guilt AFTER we've confessed and repented. 

He does this so we'll wallow in self-pity or doubt God's forgiveness.

But before we repent, guilt and shame are functions of our Christian conscience.

If God shows us a sin, we can rightly admit that God has convicted us of sin. 

But genuine conviction of sin is a result of shame and sorrow for what we've done.

"Submit yourselves, then, to God...Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up." James 4:7-10

When Christians sin, we should experience godly sorrow that leads us to repentance (1 Corinthians 7:8-11).

If you'd like to do a short Bible study on this devotion, please check out today's Bite Size Bible Study.

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