April 29

The Witness Of Conscience

So they show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts either accusing or defending them — Rom 2:15 BSB

Conscience is like a mirror reflecting the state of our inner life, showing us what we truly are in the light of God’s infinite purity and righteousness. The word “conscience” comes from the Latin con (with) and scio (I know). It is what we know within ourselves, either in agreement or opposition to our actions.

Sometimes we can meet ourselves with a clear conscience, which brings peace. Other times, we feel ashamed because we cannot deceive ourselves. We know, and we know that we know, what is right and what is wrong, what is good and what is evil. An uneasy conscience makes rest impossible. As the proverb says, “Conscience is an ill bedfellow.” The Apostle Paul made it his goal to keep a conscience clear of offense toward both God and man (Acts 24:16).

All people have a conscience, for without it, God could not judge them; there would be no standard by which to convict or acquit. But often, conscience is uninformed or ill-instructed. It judges according to the knowledge it has, but that knowledge can be limited. A Christian’s conscience is enlightened by the light of Christ. Be sure that your conscience is always guided by Christ’s standard. Never tamper with it, silence its protests, or dull its voice. Do not say, “It doesn’t matter this once.” To ignore conscience is to tamper with the most sensitive moral compass in the universe. Let our hearts be sprinkled clean from an evil conscience by the blood of Jesus, so that we may draw near to God with a true heart and full assurance of faith (Hebrews 10:19-23).

Prayer

O Lord, grant me the presence of Your Holy Spirit in greater measure, that His cleansing power may purify my conscience, and His holy inspiration may enlighten my heart. Amen.