John 16:8 (NEB) "When he [the Holy Spirit] comes, he will convict the world, and show where right and wrong and judgment lie.
I have been struggling for quite some time now with a particular subject. When the Holy Spirit brings ME conviction in any particular area - and then, when my "Spirit led" family members or friends have not received that same conviction, I find myself left in judgment of them. I am confessing my sin before you. I judge others based on MY personal Holy Spirit led convictions.
The reason I struggle, is because, I realize, this should not be. But yet, I find myself over and over again, feeling the same sting every time someone is living outside of a conviction of mine.
Does anyone else relate to this?
On a positive note, as Jesus promised, His Holy Spirit is leading me, Praise God! Additionally, God is showing me for every single - big or small judgement I pass toward someone else, I am immediately reminded to look inward. Who am I to judge another, as if I am worthy of judgement, I think not. When I am judging another, God is reminding me of my own areas in which I need to commit to Him. Again, Praise God! These facts remind me that I am seeking His Will and leaves me full of hope.
I've got to come to a place where if someone is living outside MY personal convictions, I cannot judge them, for we are all in our own personal walk with the Lord, some move faster or slower than others based on how much we die to ourselves and make His ways, Our ways. So I aught to see others, as God sees them, just as I would want others to see me, as God sees me. A sinner saved by God's grace and trusting in God, that HE will lead that person to their own repentance through their personal conviction. It may not happen at the same time as mine because we are all at different mile markers in the lifelong refinement process.
Lord, I confess, I need you so badly, moment by moment. I praise you for the work you have completed in me and the work that is left to do - a lifetime's worth. Help me to see others as you see them. I pray I would stay encouraged so that I may encourage others, in your Spirit, not of myself, otherwise it is unworthy to your calling. I confess that when I judge someone who's "Spirit led" for their sin, I am facing judgement of my own sin. Forgive me Father, forgive family and friends. Amen.
Hebrews 4:12 (NKJV)
For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
He's answering my struggle just in writing this. (Crying) I love so much and I am still so broken; in so many pieces that the Lord is still picking up the pieces and piecing them together to form that perfect puzzle that will be His Will for my life. Hallelujah!
Malitha Tardiff on March 1, 2017 at 11:32 pm
I can relate to this! I experience this often…
In those moments of frustration, of being let-down from witnessing others sin-actions, Spirit-led or not Spirit-led, it resonates so personally with my own sins that I maybe I have forgotten what it feels like to be in such sin-bondage like I once was. I do not want to ever focus my mind on the darkest places where I had to be, truly, saved and forgiven. It is easier, takes less courage, to focus on others wrongdoings because, deep down, we fear God for our own wrongdoings. Spiritual maturity is to love others with the same love we show ourselves through accepting His love for us. He reminds us to be working out our very own salvation, daily, with fear and trembling. It’s hard to accept ALL the grace, mercy, and life Xheust showed us when He washed us white as snow. It’s mind-blowing the love He showed us; and the, new, love we showed ourselves by embracing His forgiveness of our past sins and present sins…
Amazing Grace
Love you
Melissa on March 2, 2017 at 12:09 am
Amen! & thank you for that Godly perspective that is much needed, I appreciate it and you, soul sister. On point with what the Lord wanted to remind me of, i know it.
Melissa on March 2, 2017 at 1:21 am
Thank you again, its a battle between conviction and judgement but i certainly see God’s hand in it, leading me thru His Spirit and people like you in my life. Amen.
litasue on March 2, 2017 at 1:28 am
Thank you, this was precisely what I needed to hear, i love when the Lord works through your Spirit directly to mine, God’s very own conversation, received. Completely on point. I’m glad to know I’m not alone bc this has been a real struggle for me. It’s like a battle between my conviction and judgement but i completely see God’s hand in this thru His Spirit continuously convicting me and people like you in my life. You are one of my puzzle pieces, soul sister.
lonnie0429 on March 2, 2017 at 5:31 pm
Wow! God’s timing is amazing. This last week, I kept telling myself, That’s the Holy Spirit’s job–not yours. For me, it’s been outside the Body of Christ, and when I think that I can somehow change someone else.
But I love your reminder of Christians growing in different places at different rates. I needed that. I DO struggle with Christians whose convictions don’t match mine. I will extend my reminder that they, too, are the Holy Spirit’s assignment, not mine. Result: I will have more peace and love. And do I need to say, “His ways are way more effective than mine.”?
Melissa on March 6, 2017 at 12:13 pm
lonnie0429, thank you for your comment, I praise God that He provides through blogs like this. I’m glad to know I’m not alone in this area. Thank you for your honesty, it is always humbling to hear another Christian admit areas where they need to be chiseled by the Master sculpter. God bless you! Yes, His Will be done in His timing, we submit, pray and LOVE!! Lord, show me how to love like you!!