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Conviction Over Guilt

Writer's picture: Tamah BryantTamah Bryant

Updated: Oct 12, 2024

"Who among you can cast the first stone?” Jesus asked the stone-wielding Pharisees as they stood accusing the woman who had been dragged before them and was caught in adultery. One by one, as Jesus began writing in the sand, each of these “religious” men dropped their stones and walked away in silence because as “holy” as they were, none of them were without sin, therefore none could throw the stone. The Word of God defeated these men’s intentions and the same men who were ready to kill this woman for her sins walked away.


“Where are your accusers? Jesus asked. She was left face to face with the only one who was worthy to throw the stone at her because Jesus was, in fact, without sin.


Let that sink in. Jesus, in His righteousness and holiness, had every right according to the law and customs of that time to execute this woman. And yet, He was the One Who was filled with the most grace and compassion toward her.


“Neither do I condemn you.”

She was guilty of a lot more than this moment of adultery. She knew that and Jesus knew that. The payment for the sin she had committed was death. But the Son of God, the very essence of holiness, is choosing to set her free! 


God is not a God of guilt. He is a God of conviction. And therefore, He is a God of Hope.


But what is the difference?


Guilt comes from Satan and holds us captive to the failures of our past. It paralyzes us because it tells us that we will always be who we have always been and why should we even try anymore. It constantly reminds us of our failures and shortcomings and causes us to feel defeated. It gives a false sense of security as we punish ourselves over and over and over again for our past. Guilt places our focus on US.


Conviction comes from Christ as He reveals our sins to us for sanctification and purification, putting us in a right relationship with God and the people around us. It shows us our sin, but not without the forgiving grace that Jesus offered us at the foot of the cross. Conviction inspires us to want to be and do better. We rise above our past failures as we allow Christ to uphold and strengthen us. Conviction puts our focus on CHRIST.


Where guilt tells us, “You can’t.” Conviction tells us, “But Christ can.” Guilt tells us, “You are not worthy.” Conviction says, “Christ is worthy.”


The woman caught in adultery came before Jesus Christ guilty.  But she traded her guilt for conviction and grace set her free!


Are you struggling with guilt?  Guilt held me captive for more years than I want to admit!  The voice of guilt is loud and obnoxious.  Guilt shows up out of nowhere and stays longer than you want.  It is an unwelcome guest that has no manners at all!


I can think of countless reasons to let guilt dominate my mind.  If you are a parent, I am sure you can, too!  I stand before Jesus deserving of condemnation, yet He says, “My child, don’t you know there is no longer condemnation for you because you belong to me and I covered all of that at the cross!”  (In my own words, obviously!)  “I did not hesitate to free the woman caught in adultery from the guilt of her past and I am here to set you free also!”  Jesus does not want us to live in continual penance for what He has already forgiven us of.  


If there is known sin in your life, ask Christ to forgive you and then trust that He is powerful enough not to hold it over your head, but to separate it as far as the East is from the West.  Then live every day like a forgiven child of the King.  Ready to live from the perspective of victory.  Trade your shame for a crown and live like the royal child of God you are.  Full of grace and mercy.  Ready to forgive as you have been forgiven.  Free from the power of guilt, and resting in conviction as grace embraces your mind and spirit.  Free to love and free to live.


“Neither do I condemn you.”

“Go and sin no more.”


Conviction does not leave you in your sin, but challenges you to have victory over your sin as it brings you closer to Jesus.

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Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.

Hebrews 10:38

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