Simple Conviction and Repentance

I am really hard on myself, and sometimes I wonder if I've gone too legalistic on myself or if it's conviction. But I've learned the clear sign that the conviction I feel in my heart is from God is when there is hope within the sorrow. God always gives us hope, and Romans 5:5 says, "Hope does not disappoint us, because God's love has been poured out into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us." When you are accused and condemned you do not feel hope, that is not conviction. Romans 8:1 says, "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." I paused a minute and see that it applies to those who walk in the Spirit, not the flesh. It's tough and not easy all the time because sin is crouching at the door.

Matthew 3:8 Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.

If we are repentant we should sometimes check to see if we are increasing in any of the fruits of the spirit: Faithfulness, love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness, gentleness, and selfcontrol. If you don't think you are increasing in any of them don't worry, ask Jesus to forgive ya again and try again. The easiest way to produce fruit is to get in the presence of God because his goodness just rubs off on ya.

Sometimes I feel like after a week long war of legalism, struggle with sin, getting sick of myself, and beating myself up some more -- I get little nuggets of wisdom birthed out of all the calamity I've inflicted upon myself. I don't enjoy it. I don't think I did too good this week, so I will try again tomorrow when His mercies are new.