John 3:16-21 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

The story of the woman caught in adultery… Condemnation vs Conviction

Condemnation abandons and judges… conviction empowers for life change.

John 8:3-11 The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group and said to Jesus, ‘Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?’ They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him.
But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, ‘Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.’ Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground. At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. Jesus straightened up and asked her, ‘Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?’ ‘No one, sir,’ she said. ‘Then neither do I condemn you,’ Jesus declared. ‘Go now and leave your life of sin.

The Pharisees had already judged the woman… So there was no need to treat her with respect, concern, or love. She was now free to be used as a pawn to further their agenda, which was entrapping or discrediting the one who would have compassion and love for her.

It is the same today when the religious judge based on a persons actions or lifestyle that they disagree with, those individuals can now be used as pawns to further their agendas. No respect, concern, or love for the individual while maintaining that they are representing Christ.

Conviction says, I made a mistake, condemnation says, I am a mistake.

Romans 8:1-17 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.

Romans 8:31-39 What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all–how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?

Conviction:

Conviction is an awakening and awareness to an area that effects my life.

John 16:7-8 I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment.