I struggle with feeling guilty for things I don't do perfectly and often have trouble letting them go.
That guilt is not from the Lord.
Conviction is from the Lord. Guilt is not. There is a difference.
Guilt is a from the enemy. It is an attempt to get me to believe that what I did is too big for Jesus to have taken care of on the cross. It makes me try harder and trust my own strength. It makes me feel small and helpless. It brings death.
Conviction is a blessing and a tool the Holy Spirit uses to remind me to stay in step with the Spirit. It is a way of reminding me what the truth is. A way to remind me that I am incapable of doing this life without Christ. It points me to the cross, reminding me that Jesus was already beat up enough for my sin, and that I do not need to beat myself up for it. It brings freedom. It brings life.
You see the difference. Conviction is not condemnation (Romans 8:1). And it is not guilt. Jesus died for our guilt. Conviction is putting my hand on a hot stove and my head saying "hm, that is hot, you should probably move that now before it burns off." It is a good thing.
Welcome the conviction from the spirit. Let Jesus rule over the guilt.
