Uncover the Hidden Secrets of ConvictionUncover the Hidden Secrets of Conviction
Resilient Truths
Dr. Bell explains how the Spirit of God can convict those around a believer. By walking in obedience and standing firm in one’s beliefs, a believer may cause others to feel uncomfortable in their presence. This often leads some individuals to feel targete...
41:07•20 Jul 2024
Conviction, Faith and the Lonely Walk of Staying Clean
Episode Overview
- Conviction and judgment are not the same thing; people may feel judged simply because the Spirit of God in someone exposes their own choices.
- Rejection and discomfort from others can be a sign of spiritual conviction at work, not a sign that the believer has done something wrong.
- Maintaining sobriety and holiness often leads to a lonely walk, but personal history with addiction can become a powerful ministry tool.
- Conviction is seen as evidence that God is still reaching for a person and can move them toward repentance and change.
- Healthy boundaries and a consistent walk of faith are crucial to avoid being dragged back into behaviours God has already brought someone out of.
“"If the holy ghost is not giving you a conscience, if you don't feel convicted in the things that you do, then that means God don't have no more hope for you."”
Curious about how others manage conviction, faith, and recovery at the same time? This conversation on Resilient Truths centres on how the Spirit of God can stir conscience in people around a believer, especially when that believer is living clean after years of addiction and chaos. Dr. Theresa M Bell talks frankly about the "difference between conviction and being judgmental", unpacking why people often feel judged just because a Christian walks into the room.
As she puts it, "All I did was wake up this morning. It's the one that's on the inside of me." That inner work of the Holy Spirit, she says, is what makes some people uncomfortable, distant, or even hostile. The episode weaves Bible teaching (John 3:19–21, 2 Corinthians 7, Romans 1:18, Psalm 1:1) with real-life stories from mental health work, street ministry, and her own past with crack cocaine, alcohol, cigarettes and prostitution.
Now more than 30 years clean, she explains why that history is exactly why "those are the people that gravitate toward me" and how conviction can be a sign that "God still got planned for them." You’ll hear about the lonely side of walking with Christ, why some friends "can’t have fun if you're here" when there’s drinking and smoking, and how that can actually mark spiritual growth rather than rejection. Dr.
Bell stresses boundaries, self-respect and practical faith, asking bluntly: "Where is your level of faith? Is it a mustard seed?" For anyone in or supporting recovery who’s been called "too much", "too holy", or made to feel like a problem just for staying sober and standing on their beliefs, this episode offers straight-talking encouragement and a reminder that conviction is often evidence that God is still working.
How might your own walk be changing the atmosphere around you more than you think?
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