One thing that is necessary when growing in God, is to determine the difference between condemnation of the enemy and conviction of the Holy Spirit. Thoughts of condemnation give no hope. Conviction comes from the Holy Spirit and is our reminder that we need to repent and change, and that God’s grace is there to help us. Change is good. Wanting change for others is good too. We want everyone in our world to be more like Jesus – that is good and positive change. Here are Alan Wright’s three points to change:
1. We change a negative spirit by sowing the opposite spirit
2. We enable positive change through the power of blessing.
3. We help people embrace responsibility by treating them as if they are owners and not slaves. (Romans 8:15-17)
The fruit of shame is slavery. The fruit of grace is freedom.
Our motivation in the body of Christ should be in this order
1. Belong to the fellowship
2. Believe right
3. Behave right
Instead, most people and churches say that is what they believe, but they do the opposite. We say the right things, but we still treat people this way. You can belong, once you behave and believe right. Do you know that is exactly opposite of what Jesus taught. He wants to be your friend, not because you believe right, or do the right things. He wants to be your friend because He Loves YOU. Period!
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