Paul made a great statement about his conscience. It was referenced back to his declaration that there will be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and the unjust. Let his words be true for each of us. Acts 24:16 says, “This being so, I myself always strive to have a conscience without offense toward God and men.”

A pure conscience comes from a pure heart. Matthew 5:8 says, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” The Greek word for ‘pure’ means undefiled. What defiles a man? Matthew 15:19 says, “For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts…”

I thought about what causes a guilty conscience. I want to make something really clear. I’ve heard this erroneous belief so many time in my counseling over the years. An abused child, or an abused spouse should never feel guilty. It is false guilt that comes through lying fiery darts.

False guilt suppresses truth. When we are sinned against, it is because the sinner was acting out in their flesh. We are not responsible for their actions. No one ever causes another to act out in violence. All actions come from thoughts. Evil thoughts result in evil actions.

As redeemed ones, we have the Holy Spirit dwelling within us. He will use our conscience to convict us before we act out in sin. Have you ever started to do something and you felt His Presence stopping you?

All people have a conscience. Many have seared theirs. 1 Timothy 4:2 says, “Speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron.” Each time, we as believers, have a thought that is contrary to being holy, the Holy Spirit will resist us.

Galatians 5:17 says, “For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh…” That is exactly what He is doing ~ resisting our fleshly nature. We grieve the Holy Spirit when we do not heed His warnings.

Ephesians 4:30 says, “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.” Though we may sin, we are eternally sealed. The more we resist the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives, the less we will be sensitive to His leading.

Galatians 5:16 says, “I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.” 2 Timothy 1:9 says, “Who has saved us and called us with a holy calling…” 1 Peter 1:15 says, “But as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct…”

We grow in our sensitivity to the Holy Spirit’s leading by being attentive. He will always lead us in the truth. We need to take time with Him just sitting still. Not coming with an agenda, but a heart that is open to being led.