Tag: Understanding Scripture

The Wound That Heals: Conviction vs Condemnation

In Nehemiah 7:4-8:12, we see a powerful moment where the people of Israel come together to hear the Word of God read aloud after years of exile. It’s not just about listening to the words; the people are actively seeking to understand them. Ezra, alongside the Levites, reads and explains the Law to the gathered crowd. Their response is immediate and emotional—they begin to weep. The Word of God has brought deep conviction to their hearts, showing them just how far they’ve strayed.

But here’s the key part: Nehemiah, Ezra, and the Levites tell the people not to mourn. They say, “This day is holy to the Lord your God. Do not mourn or weep” (Nehemiah 8:9). Although the people are convicted, they are not condemned. The leaders encourage them to move from sorrow to celebration, pointing out that “the joy of the Lord is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10). This is a perfect picture of how God’s Word works—it reveals where we’ve fallen short but also points us toward God’s grace and restoration.

This passage shows us the value of reading, teaching, and understanding God’s Word in a community. It wasn’t just a private reading of Scripture but a public gathering where the Law was explained clearly so everyone could understand. There’s something powerful about engaging with God’s Word together, where questions can be asked, and insights can be shared. Too often, we read the Bible quickly or casually, but this moment in Nehemiah highlights the importance of understanding, not just hearing, the Word. When we seek to really understand Scripture, it brings clarity and leads to transformation.

What we also see in Nehemiah is the important distinction between conviction and condemnation. Conviction is what happens when God’s Word reveals an area in our lives that needs change. It’s the Holy Spirit showing us our sin so we can repent and turn back to God. Conviction leads to life and growth. Condemnation, on the other hand, leads to shame, guilt, and a sense of hopelessness. It drives us away from God, making us feel like we’re beyond help. But Romans 8:1 reminds us, “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Just like in Nehemiah’s time, God’s Word convicts us but doesn’t condemn us.

For Christians today, this is a powerful reminder of how we should approach Scripture. We should let God’s Word bring conviction where it’s needed but always remember that it’s meant to lead us to life, not to drive us into guilt and despair. The people in Nehemiah’s time wept at the realization of their sin, but they were urged to celebrate because God was offering them joy and strength.

As we spend time reading and understanding the Bible, both individually and with others, we open ourselves up to the transforming work of the Holy Spirit. We may feel convicted, but that conviction is always accompanied by grace and the opportunity to grow closer to God. That’s the difference between conviction and condemnation—one leads to life and the other to separation from God. The more we engage with God’s Word, the more we realize that conviction is a gift that brings us back into alignment with His will, reminding us of His grace and love.

Rightly Jealous: Understanding God’s Jealousy

Jealousy is bad. Paul tells us so in Galatians 5. So why do we constantly read about God’s “good” jealousy in passages like today’s reading?

See, when we think of jealousy, it’s easy to imagine something negative—a destructive emotion rooted in envy or insecurity. Yet, when we read about God’s jealousy in Scripture, it is framed as pure, righteous, and entirely different from the jealousy that you and I experience.

God’s jealousy is not about envy. He does not covet something that isn’t rightfully His. Rather, His jealousy is about protecting the covenant relationship He has with us. Just as a spouse has the right to expect exclusive devotion and affection, God, who entered into a covenant with His people, rightfully demands our wholehearted love and loyalty.

This divine jealousy is not rooted in insecurity or a desire to control, but in the understanding that turning away from God leads to our own destruction. Just as a spouse would feel righteous jealousy if their partner’s affections were being shared with another, God’s jealousy arises when our hearts are divided and we pursue other “lovers”—whether that be idols, worldly desires, or anything that takes His rightful place in our lives.

On the other hand, human jealousy, when rooted in envy, is about desiring what belongs to someone else, whether it be their possessions, achievements, or relationships. This kind of jealousy is destructive and rooted in selfishness, leading to bitterness and resentment. In contrast, God’s jealousy is protective and stems from His love for us, knowing that only in Him can we find true fulfillment and peace.

Understanding the difference between these forms of jealousy helps us see why God’s jealousy is not only justified but is also an expression of His deep love for us. Just as we would be rightly jealous for the exclusive affection of our spouse, God’s jealousy is a reflection of His covenantal commitment to us, desiring our full and undivided devotion.