Dear Reverend, what is your conscience? I would like to believe I am a good person, but at times I do bad things. My conscience bothers me and I feel bad about the bad thing I’ve done. Is that God and the Holy Spirit confronting me about what I have done? I know I am not perfect, but I seem to want to be like Jesus and please God. If that is my conscience then to me it’s God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit telling me they are still there and they still love me. It’s like God knows my limitations as a human and sinner. It excites me to know He is there.

The Bible teaches that the conscience is God given to every human being. Its purpose is to show us right from wrong. It’s an inward conviction that either “accuses” or “excuses” us. The Apostle Paul wrote that people, “show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and between themselves their thoughts accusing or else excusing them” – Romans 2:15. Therefore, the conscience will “bother” or “convict” us when we are doing wrong. However, it’s our choice to obey or disobey our conscience. Before Cain murdered his brother, God said to him, “If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin lies at the door. And its desire is for you, but you should rule over it.” – Genesis 4:7. This tells us we do have a choice and we can make the right decision to obey our conscience. To disobey will lead to sin. If you are a born again Christian, the Holy Spirit will also convict you when you’re doing wrong. He may even speak to you directly. This is different than the conscience.  None of us are perfect, but there’s always forgiveness with God and we need it daily. The Bible says, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” – I John 1:9. God bless you!