What does conviction from the Holy Spirit look / feel like?

[Trayalc]

John 16:8 says that the Holy Spirit convicts us regarding sin. My question is, what is that conviction supposed to look like? I've always had in my mind that the Holy Spirit's conviction may be some sort of inner turmoil or anxiety that is there to let us know we're not in the right place. But then I look at Philippians 4:6-7, which tells us not to worry or be anxious about anything. Does this mean anxiety does not come from the Holy Spirit? What exactly does / should conviction from the Holy Spirit look like, then?

 

[Chesterton]

I definitely felt it once. Can't really describe it well, except that I felt a real presence, and I felt guilty of a life of sin, where I hadn't known I was guilty before.

 

[PizzaAddict]

John 16:8 says that the Holy Spirit convicts us regarding sin. My question is, what is that conviction supposed to look like? I've always had in my mind that the Holy Spirit's conviction may be some sort of inner turmoil or anxiety that is there to let us know we're not in the right place. But then I look at Philippians 4:6-7, which tells us not to worry or be anxious about anything. Does this mean anxiety does not come from the Holy Spirit? What exactly does / should conviction from the Holy Spirit look like, then?

I personally expeirenced it once and it was sorrowfull even still rememebering it. It doesn't feel like anxiety it feels more like "what have I done I'm sorry " and feeling hopeless and disgusted of being myself.

 

[public hermit]

John 16:8 says that the Holy Spirit convicts us regarding sin. My question is, what is that conviction supposed to look like? I've always had in my mind that the Holy Spirit's conviction may be some sort of inner turmoil or anxiety that is there to let us know we're not in the right place. But then I look at Philippians 4:6-7, which tells us not to worry or be anxious about anything. Does this mean anxiety does not come from the Holy Spirit? What exactly does / should conviction from the Holy Spirit look like, then?

To me, the conviction of the Holy Spirit is a conviction concerning what is truly good and what is truly evil. But, conviction in this sense is not just a cognitive assent. It is a love for what is truly good and repulsion towards what is evil. We love the good not for itself, but because it reflects the intention and nature of the Good Creator, Redeemer, Sustainer.

If we experience anxiety, it is because we know the truth while simultaneously knowing we don't always abide in it. Grace is the only balm for that kind of anxiety. imho

 

[Heavenhome]

To me, the conviction of the Holy Spirit is a conviction concerning what is truly good and what is truly evil. But, conviction in this sense is not just a cognitive assent. It is a love for what is truly good and repulsion towards what is evil. We love the good not for itself, but because it reflects the intention and nature of the Good Creator, Redeemer, Sustainer.

If we experience anxiety, it is because we know the truth while simultaneously knowing we don't always abide in it. Grace is the only balm for that kind of anxiety. imho

You have put it wonderfully and I feel the same.

 

[public hermit]

You have put it wonderfully and I feel the same.

God is good.

 

[Presbyterian Continuist]

John 16:8 says that the Holy Spirit convicts us regarding sin. My question is, what is that conviction supposed to look like? I've always had in my mind that the Holy Spirit's conviction may be some sort of inner turmoil or anxiety that is there to let us know we're not in the right place. But then I look at Philippians 4:6-7, which tells us not to worry or be anxious about anything. Does this mean anxiety does not come from the Holy Spirit? What exactly does / should conviction from the Holy Spirit look like, then?

The conviction of the Spirit is the realisation that you have done something that breaches God's holy law and that you should confess it so that you can be forgiven and cleansed from it.

Any feeling of hopelessness, condemnation, or depression about sin is not from the Holy Spirit, but a condemnation bomb from the devil. Holy Spirit conviction always lets you know how to get things right with God over anything He convicts you about. He can also give you advance warning that something you might be intending to do is not according to God's standards and comes with guidance about how to avoid doing it.

 

[GraceBro]

John 16:8 says that the Holy Spirit convicts us regarding sin. My question is, what is that conviction supposed to look like? I've always had in my mind that the Holy Spirit's conviction may be some sort of inner turmoil or anxiety that is there to let us know we're not in the right place. But then I look at Philippians 4:6-7, which tells us not to worry or be anxious about anything. Does this mean anxiety does not come from the Holy Spirit? What exactly does / should conviction from the Holy Spirit look like, then?

Keeping reading. "about sin, because people do not believe in me ... (John 16:9)" The Holy Spirit convicts a lost person about their unbelief in Jesus Christ. Take Paul for example. In Romans 7, he says, "But sin, seizing the opportunity afforded by the commandment, produced in me every kind of coveting. For apart from the law, sin was dead. Once I was alive apart from the law; but when the commandment came, sin sprang to life and I died. I found that the very commandment that was intended to bring life actually brought death (Romans 7:8-10)." Salvation is the restoration of the life of God by being born again of the Spirit of God through faith in Jesus Christ. Paul says that through obedience to the law he would have life. But, the law did its job by stirring up more sin in his life and he recognized his spiritual death and need for the life of God. He, in essence, was convicted; found guilty. Thankfully, he also found out that his punishment was death and that Jesus took it all for him (and us). This may be different for everybody, but this is how I see the conviction of the Holy Spirit. And, no, I don't believe anxiety (i.e. fear) comes from the Holy Spirit (see 1 John 4:18).