I often hear Christians say they feel a spirit of condemnation. They have fallen into a sin and feel God is condemning them for it. They feel like a failure and sometimes even question their faith. In 1 John 4:1, the Apostle John makes this statement that helps me understand this situation.
4:1 Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.
I have come to understand that testing where a thought is coming from is easy if I think about the tone of the message. Is the message trying to encourage or discourage me? Is it loving correction or is it meant to put me down? God is love. He only wants the best for His children. Satan is full of hate and wants to discourage and distract me.
Definition of Condemnation-
In the Bible, “condemnation” refers to the act of being declared guilty and deserving of punishment, a judgment against someone’s actions or nature. It signifies a verdict of guilt, either human or divine, that sentences one to a penalty or an undesirable state. However, in the New Testament, particularly in Romans, there is a contrasting concept of “no condemnation” for believers in Christ, indicating freedom from the judgment and penalty for sin.
Romans 8:1
8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.
Definition of Correction-
Scripture tells us correction is a God-given recognition of guilt and a call to change, distinct from condemnation, which is a persistent feeling of shame. This conviction serves to expose one’s need for God’s grace and salvation, prompting a response of confession, forgiveness, and transformation.
So how do we “test the spirit” when we are feeling condemned? We know our best source for truth is Scripture. To find answers to confusing questions, searching for the answer in Scripture always brings peace.
2 Timothy 3:16-17
16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
The next time you recognize you are out of God’s will and are hearing a “silent” voice talking to you, test that spirit of that message. Does it make you feel lovingly challenged to do better or does it make you feel like a failure and there is no hope for you? Which spirit is talking to you? When we recognize which spirit, we can choose which spirit we will believe, the spirit of loving correction or the spirit of condemnation.
Christian Life Coach 