therefore, if the Son sets you free, you
shall be free indeed (John 8:32, 36).
John is a Christian serving
time in prison. At chapel he shared with
me his struggles with anger and profanity, and how he saw the need to do better
and to be a better witness. It appeared
that John was convicted. But I began to
see it was really condemnation disguised as conviction. For John was discouraged with who he was.
Condemnation tempts Christians to
believe the lie that we are unacceptable which incites us to do better. Condemnation takes our focus off of the cross
where Christ took upon Himself all of our condemnation and through whom we
become new righteous creations.
True conviction leads us to believe
the truth that we are totally acceptable apart from our good efforts to do
better. True conviction focuses us on
the cross. “The Spirit bears witness with our spirit that we are children of
God” (Romans 8:16). With these words
of truth and life, John did become convicted…convicted of his righteousness in
Christ!
John walked me to the gate after
chapel with such a thankful heart. The
words from him as we departed were so kind, without any anger or hint of
profanity. I believe Christ Himself set
John free to experience the very life of Christ that moment.
The fruit of the Spirit
is…kindness (Galatians 5:22).
©
2003 Gregg Gibbons