Language Lab: What Is “conviction”?

Language Lab: What Is “Conviction”?

Bible Blast: Read Romans 14:22-23

If you have doubts about whether or not you should eat something, you are sinning if you go ahead and do it. For you are not following your convictions. If you do anything you believe is not right, you are sinning. Romans 14:23

One way you’ll hear conviction used is when someone is found guilty of a crime. Once the judge or jury decides that a person is guilty, the guilty person is convicted and will get punished in one way or another for the crime.

The other use of the word means you have a strong belief about something. You don’t have to be a Christian to have a conviction. Most people are convicted about what they think is right and wrong. However, the thing that makes a Christian’s conviction different and more powerful is the Holy Spirit. The Spirit who lives inside of us convicts us about what we should or should not do, but then he gives us the strength we need to do something about that conviction.

Do you know what conviction feels like? Answer a few questions: Have you ever been watching a movie when a scene comes on that makes you very uncomfortable? What about that weird feeling you get when you hear someone talking about inappropriate things? Did you ever tell a “little” lie and feel terrible about it later? All of those things are examples of conviction. It’s the Holy Spirit inside of you saying, “Hey, wait a minute! That’s not right, and it doesn’t honor God!”

When God convicts you, you need to ask him what you should do about it. Does he want you to pray about it? Should you say something? Is there something he wants you to do?

One thing that can be tough is when you’re convicted about something, but your friend or family member isn’t. Like maybe you’re convicted that there’s certain music you absolutely shouldn’t listen to, but your BFF doesn’t feel the same way. In situations like this, you need to ask God for wisdom. God’s wisdom will let you know when to speak up and when to pray.

The closer you get to Jesus, the more you will notice the Holy Spirit convicting you.

Girl Gab: Mom, talk about conviction with your daughter to make sure she really gets it. Tell her about a time when you were convicted about something. Take some time to pray together, and ask God to help you listen and obey when he’s convicting you about something.