In his letter to Christians at Thessalonica, Paul noted the manner in which the Gospel had been shared with them where we read. . .
“(4) For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, (5) because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake.” (1 Thessalonians 1:4-5 ESV)
The word translated “conviction” is “plerophoria” which refers to “a fulness, abundance, also means full assurance, entire confidence; lit., a ‘full–carrying’ (plēros, full, pherō, to carry).” [source: W. E. Vine’s Expository Dictionary of N.T. Words]
To be convicted by what we believe moves us to live in accordance with it. Without convictions, we would tend to simply go with the flow around us. However, as those at Thessalonica had duly responded to the message shared “with full conviction”, we need to be mindful of how we relate to others as we hold to our Christ-centered convictions.
As we consider our convictions — our steadfastness in the assurance of the hope and truth in Christ — are our convictions remaining a foundation for our life or have they become a wall? Think about it. Some are so convicted by their convictions they wall themselves in away from others or create a wall that pushes others away. Certainly, as the church [Greek “ekklesia” (“ek”, out of, and “klesis”, a calling)], we have been called out of the world and are to live different from it, but we still live in the world to be a godly influence of salt and light (Matthew 5:13-16) to those around us. Therefore, rather than allowing our convictions to become a wall keeping others away or pushing them away, may our convictions remain the foundation on which our life solidly stands as we speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15) to those around us!
Have a great day STANDING FIRM TO LOVINGLY SHARE!
Carl
