In this episode, I explore the crucial distinction between Holy Spirit conviction and worldly condemnation.
Drawing from personal experience and deep scriptural grounding, I address how Christians can disagree, correct, and challenge one another while building up the body of Christ rather than tearing it down.
This episode tackles the painful reality of judgment within Christian communities and offers a redemptive path forward rooted in Christ’s example of mercy and restoration.
What You Can Expect From This Episode
* Understand the difference between conviction that leads to repentance and condemnation that leads to spiritual death
* Learn how to address sin in others gently and humbly, just as Scripture commands
* Discover why Christ came to save, not condemn—and what that means for how we interact with fellow believers
* Explore practical ways to build up the Christian community rather than tearing each other down
* Find freedom in knowing that the Holy Spirit convicts while God alone judges
* Receive encouragement to develop authentic relationship with God through Scripture rather than performative religion
Episode Chapters
[00:00:00] Introduction: The Heart of Christian Community
[00:03:04] Christ Came to Save, Not Condemn: John 3:16-17
[00:04:58] Understanding Conviction vs. Condemnation: 2 Corinthians 7:10
[00:10:14] Freedom From Sin’s Condemnation Romans: 8:1-4
[00:16:33] Building Others Up With Our Words: Ephesians 4:29-32, 1 Thessalonians 5:11, and Galatians 6:1-3
[00:21:20] The Body of Christ: We’re All in This Together
[00:23:54] The Fruit Test: Does Our Approach Lead to God? James 2:12-13
[00:30:10] The Holy Spirit Convicts, God Judges John 16:5-11
[00:32:44] Closing Prayer
Three Key Quotes
“God sent his son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him. If we’re looking to Christ as our model, we have to follow his behavior. Christ didn’t come to condemn others—so why are we doing this to one another?”
“We can be convicted. I’ve never felt more convicted in my life about anything as I do what I’ve discovered in the Word and in Christ. We want to share that conviction, that fire, that love we have for Scripture, for God, for Christ. But if we’re going to condemn people and attack people individually, we’re going to push them away.”
“The Holy Spirit convicts—that’s what it does. We don’t need to condemn. God in Christ when He returns will be the judge. We are called to be convicted by the power of the Holy Spirit. Our job is to love, encourage, build up, and restore gently.”
Invitation to Action
Examine Your Heart This Week: When you encounter sin in yourself or witness it in others, pause and ask yourself: Am I responding with conviction or condemnation? Am I building up or tearing down? Does my response reflect Christ’s redemptive mission or am I judging? Choose mercy over judgment. Choose restoration over destruction.
Develop Your Personal Relationship With God: Open your Bible and read it. It’s the most effective door to knowing God’s character and developing authentic relationship with Him. Let Scripture be your foundation so the Holy Spirit can convict and guide you.
Ways to Connect
Email: orderwithin@substack.comGod-Centered Merchandise: https://rdbl.co/4gCqi5zSupport the Show: buymeacoffee.com/orderwithin
Share This Episode
If this message about choosing conviction over condemnation resonated with you, please share it with someone who might need to hear it. Help us build up the body of Christ by spreading this message of redemptive correction rooted in love. The Christian community needs more voices calling us back to Christ’s example of mercy and restoration.
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