Think About What You’re Thinking

Have you ever had one of those nights where you just couldn’t sleep because of the offensive thought or thoughts you had toward a fellow believer? It’s amazing how quickly our thoughts can spiral in the quiet of the night.

The good news is this: God is not a God of condemnation, but of conviction. He brings those things to the forefront of our thought life to redeem us and call us back to Him — to live righteously, to walk humbly, and to do justly with our thoughts.

Today I’m having to ask the Lord for forgiveness due to my offensive thoughts toward His beloved, anointed people. I find that when I judge or criticize my fellow sisters in the Lord, it is highly offensive to our God.

I am grateful for His mercy and His forgiveness, but it still weighs heavy on my heart when I am being critical or judgmental of others. That heaviness, I’ve come to see, is not condemnation but a holy nudge from Holy Spirit — a reminder that my thoughts need His reshaping.

When I receive God’s forgiveness for my offensive ways, it allows me to walk in the freedom, the power, the victory, the hope, and the love that Christ’s death on the cross provides.

He does not condemn. He convicts — and leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.

“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, who live and walk not after the dictates of the flesh, but after the dictates of the Spirit.” — Romans 8:1 (AMPC)

“He refreshes and restores my life; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.” — Psalm 23:3 (AMPC)

“Amid all these things, I am more than a conqueror and gain a surpassing victory through Him who loves me.” — Romans 8:37 (AMPC)

“…what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, and to love kindness and mercy, and to humble yourself and walk humbly with your God?” — Micah 6:8 (AMPC)

God’s forgiveness is healing and powerful, allowing us to take our offensive thoughts and lay them at the cross.

Reflect: What thoughts do you need to take captive to the cross today?

This week, think about what you are thinking about. Ask yourself: Is this beneficial to the body of Christ? Are my thoughts building up fellow believers, showing mercy, kindness, and love?

And when you catch a thought that tears down rather than builds up — pause, surrender it, and invite the Spirit to replace it with His peace.

Dear Lord, thank You for Your mercy and goodness. Thank You for Your forgiveness when we judge others or think offensively. Teach me to think about what I’m thinking so that my thoughts bring glory to Your name. Amen.