What is the importance of personal convictions?

TL;DR:

Biblically based personal convictions help us resist temptation, grow in spiritual maturity, and live in accordance with God's will. Personal convictions allow us to stand firm in our faith.

Personal convictions based on biblical principles serve as a moral compass, guiding us in making decisions and resisting temptation. They help us grow in spiritual maturity and live according to God’s will, which strengthens our faith and allows us to stand firm in a world of shaky foundations. The Bible teaches that personal convictions must align with God's Word and be motivated by a desire to please Him and to do what is right. While we are called to have biblically based personal convictions, we are also called to present our convictions with humility, gentleness, and respect. Having personal convictions and presenting the truth in love allows us to share the Lord with an unbelieving world that desperately needs the truth.

from the old testament

Personal convictions help to keep us grounded in Christ if they are based in His Word. Meditating on the Bible keeps our spiritual foundation secure (Psalm 1:1–3).
As believers in Christ, our personal convictions should align with what the Bible teaches (Psalm 119:105).
Personal convictions help us to exercise wisdom and protect us from danger. Proverbs 4:6 says: “Do not forsake her, and she will keep you; love her, and she will guard you.”

from the new testament

Believers are instructed not to fight over debatable issues but to maintain their own personal convictions while allowing others to do the same (Romans 14:1–6).
In the end, each one of us will give an account to God for our choices, and He is the One who will judge us on that day (Romans 14:12).
Paul encourages believers to look out for each other: "Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother" (Romans 14:13).
Personal convictions should not be selfishly motivated but should instead be motivated by the desire to live lives that are pleasing to God. Having godly convictions is wise, and following them will lead us to spiritual maturity (Ephesians 4:13–15). When we are spiritually mature, we are able to withstand the distractions that come from things like peer pressure or false teaching.
Personal convictions help us develop the spiritual maturity we need to set a godly example for others. Even young people can be godly examples: "Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity" (1 Timothy 4:12).
Personal convictions give us a framework that helps us make decisions. We are not on our own. The Bible actually instructs us to ask God for wisdom so that we will not be double-minded but will be stable in all our ways (James 1:5–8).

implications for today

Personal convictions based on biblical principles can guide us in everyday situations, helping us make choices that reflect our faith. For instance, when faced with peer pressure at work or school to compromise on honesty, we can stand firm in our conviction to tell the truth, knowing that God values integrity (Proverbs 4:6). A friend might invite us to join an activity that goes against our values, but having a biblical conviction about maintaining purity can help us politely decline and maintain our witness without fear of judgment (1 Corinthians 6:18). Similarly, when navigating complex relationships, such as with family members who may not share our faith, we can uphold the conviction to love them unconditionally while still pointing them to truth in a loving way, knowing that we will give an account to God for how we interact with others (Romans 14:12). In these real-life situations, our convictions, rooted in Scripture, provide the moral compass we need to live consistently within God’s will, all while helping us grow in spiritual maturity.

understand

Personal convictions based on Scripture guide our decisions and help us resist temptation.
Personal convictions help us stand firm in faith.
Personal convictions are important to have, but it is also important to present these convictions in love.

reflect

How have your personal convictions helped you resist temptation in challenging situations?
In what areas of your life do you feel your convictions need to align more closely with God's Word, and what keeps you from doing so?
How can you show love and humility while maintaining strong personal convictions in your conversations with others?

engage

How can we support one another in maintaining our personal convictions while respecting differences of convictions in gray areas?
What are some practical ways we can make sure our convictions are rooted in Scripture and not influenced by culture or personal preferences?
How can we balance standing firm in our convictions with being gentle and respectful toward others who may disagree with us?