Since, as Christians, we are all in the process of being conformed to the image of Jesus Christ, inevitably we will be confronted by the sin yet indwelling our hearts and surfacing in our thoughts and actions.
At the intersection of conviction and repentance is the condition of the heart. Two people can be confronted about their sinful behavior, yet they can respond in two very different ways. So, what are some of the differences between a heart being hardened by the deceitfulness of sin and a heart being softened by the conviction of the Holy Spirit?
THE HARDENING HEART:
1) is defensive when confronted
2) is divisive with others
3) is elusive of confrontation
4) is secretive in behavior
5) lacks initiative, but makes demands of others
6) casts blame
7) avoids accountability from those who are close, but seeks it from those who are far away
8) sees and seeks to remove all the “specks” of sin in the eyes of others (Matthew 7:1-5)
9) is quickly provoked to anger
10) leverages the past to disrupt the present to destroy the future to avoid exposure
11) isolates itself from spiritual authority
12) seeks spiritual submission on its own terms
13) manipulates through promises, yet also through insults and threats
14) is quick to demonize others, even faithful friends
15) forgives, yet makes no effort to rebuild and restore what is broken and lost, like trust or communication
THE SOFTENING HEART:
1) confesses
2) needs to tell those affected
3) admits weaknesses, blind spots and stumbling blocks, yet takes responsibility and casts no blame
4) is quick to mourn over sin
5) shows initiative
6) seeks help and counsel and cooperates
7) seeks and is not elusive of accountability from those who are close
8) sees and seeks to remove the “log” of sin in it’s own eye (Matthew 7:1-5)
9) receives correction and, if necessary, discipline
10) asks for forgiveness
11) makes no demands of others in exchange for forgiveness
12) desires submission and expresses gratitude, respect and appreciation for spiritual authority
13) is humble and careful to make grand promises
14) doesn’t avoid communication, but responds quickly
15) forgives and makes any effort necessary to rebuild and restore what is broken and lost, like trust or communication
A Christian who denies or dismisses the lure of temptation and the power of sin is either dead or not really a Christian. We must be aware and vigilant over our heart at all times, as well as be diligent and willing to put ourselves “in the way” of both honest accountability and faithful encouragement.
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1-2
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied." Matthew 5:6
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