In Christianity, being convicted means feeling guilty and ashamed after realizing that you have sinned, (done something wrong that goes against God’s laws). Being convicted is similar to having a spiritual awakening where one becomes aware of their sins and feels the need to repent and ask for forgiveness.
Some people with hardened hearts who do not feel convicted spiritually yet it is possible, for the Holy Spirit to work in the hearts of them, to bring about conviction of sin. So even if you haven’t experienced a spiritual awakening yet, it is never too late to open your heart to the Holy Spirit and allow its guiding force to bring about a sense of conviction in your life.
The Bible has numerous verses that discuss conviction, some of which include, (John 16:8), (Psalm 32:5), (Acts 2:37).
The process of being convicted can be uncomfortable and challenging, but it is a crucial aspect of spiritual growth and renewal. Conviction leads to repentance and fosters a deeper connection with God.
Those who fail to experience conviction and continue to sin, are not inherently evil, they just experience differently, the circumstances that shape our understanding and response to spiritual matters. Some may have a greater awareness of their actions and need for repentance at a younger age, while others may require more time and experiences to come to this realization.
Spiritual growth is a journey that takes time and effort; it is not a linear process. People struggle with sin and temptation throughout their lives, but it is never too late to seek forgiveness and make efforts to live a more Godly life. Responding to the conviction of the Holy Spirit is a personal choice that each individual has to make. At the end of the day, it’s left to every person to respond in his or her own unique way, to being convicted by the Holy Spirit.
Someone who doesn’t feel convicted immediately after doing something wrong is not less spiritual, than someone who does. Each individual’s spiritual journey is unique; people may react differently to their actions and experiences along the way. Not everyone will feel convicted after wrongdoings, but it is important to allow them the grace and time to acknowledge their offense and work towards rectifying it. The duration for a person to realize their wrong actions can vary depending on the situation and gravity of the actions.
According to Scripture, God is the ultimate judge and HIS judgment is eternal. We each hold responsibility to live according to HIS commands, and it is our duty to strive for righteousness and obedience, knowing that ultimately, it is God who will judge our hearts and lives.
(Psalm 1:6) Can be interpreted that those who live righteously, following God’s ways, are known and acknowledged by HIM. Those who choose to live ungodly lives, and have turned away from God’s wisdom and guidance, will ultimately face destruction. God desires that all repent and turn towards HIM, that they may find true life and fulfillment.
John 16:8
New International Version
8 “When he comes, he will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment:”
John 16:8
King James Version
8 “And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:”
John 16:8
Living Bible
8 “ “And when he has come he will convince the world of its sin, and of the availability of God’s goodness, and of deliverance from judgment.”
Psalm 32:5
New International Version
5 “Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.” And you forgave the guilt of my sin.”
Psalm 32:5
King James Version
5 “I acknowledge my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah.”
Psalm 32:5
Living Bible
5 “until I finally admitted all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide them. I said to myself, “I will confess them to the Lord.” And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone.”
Acts 2:37
New International Version
37 “When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” ”
Acts 2:37
King James Version
37 “Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?”
Acts 2:37
Living Bible
37 “These words of Peter’s moved them deeply, and they said to him and to the other apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?” ”
Psalm 1:6
New International Version
6 “For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked leads to destruction.”
Psalm 1:6
King James Version
6 “For the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.”
Psalm 1:6
Living Bible
6 “For the Lord watches over all the plans and paths of godly men, but the paths of the godless lead to doom.”