What's The Difference Between God's Discipline And Satan's Condemnation?

Q: What are your thoughts on God disciplining us? How can we discern between God’s discipline and condemnation that is not from Him?

A: There is usually a distinction made between condemnation from the devil and conviction from the Holy Spirit. I think there's some overlap with the concept of discipline here. Conviction from the Holy Spirit will drive you to the Lord. You might say, 'Oh my goodness, I'm a sinner. I really blew it. Jesus, please help me.' That is what conviction of the Holy Spirit or godly discipline will do in our lives if we receive it properly.

On the other hand, condemnation will drive us away from God. It might say, 'You failed God so badly. He doesn't want to have anything to do with you. God's given up on you; you loser.' That ill feeling and awareness of our sin that drives us away from God can be understood as condemnation. However, that awareness of our own sin and frailty that drives us to God is likely the conviction of the Holy Spirit or the discipline of the Lord in our lives.

Don't be afraid to ask God for wisdom. You can pray, 'Lord, you say in James chapter 1 that if anyone lacks wisdom, let him ask of you because you give graciously. Trials have come into my life, and I don't know if this is your discipline or an attack from the enemy. Please give me your wisdom.' I believe that when we pray that prayer in faith, God will guide us to the right answer.