Conviction vs Personal Emotions in Decision Making
The distinction between conviction and personal emotions in decision-making is rooted in biblical teachings and has been a subject of interpretation across various Christian traditions. The apostle Paul's writings, particularly in 1 Corinthians, highlight the importance of considering one's actions in light of others' consciences [1, 2]. In 1 Corinthians 10:29, Paul notes that one's liberty should not be judged by another's conscience, emphasizing the need to balance personal conviction with sensitivity towards others.
The concept of conscience is crucial in understanding the interplay between conviction and emotions. According to Matthew Henry, conscience is "our self-reflecting judicial power" that enables individuals to reflect on their actions and dispositions [4]. John Gill further explains that conscience acts as an accuser, witness, and judge, pronouncing guilt or innocence based on its testimony [6]. This understanding of conscience underscores the importance of aligning one's actions with their convictions, rather than being swayed by personal emotions.
In decision-making, conviction is often guided by a sense of moral obligation or duty. Jamieson, Fausset & Brown's commentary on Job 33:3 highlights the importance of speaking "according to my inward conviction," implying a commitment to sincerity and truth [5]. Similarly, Paul's reflection in 2 Corinthians 1:17 on his decision-making process suggests that he sought to avoid vacillation and instead aimed to make decisions based on clear principles [3].
Different Christian traditions have interpreted the role of conviction and emotions in decision-making in various ways. The Nonconformist/Puritan tradition, as represented by Matthew Henry, emphasizes the struggle between grace and corruption in the heart, suggesting that conviction must be grounded in a deep understanding of one's spiritual state [8]. In contrast, the Methodist/Wesleyan tradition, as seen in Adam Clarke's commentary on Hosea 11:9, highlights the triumph of mercy over judgment, suggesting that conviction should be tempered with compassion and understanding [9].
The Presbyterian tradition, as represented by Jamieson, Fausset & Brown, emphasizes the importance of putting knowledge into practice, warning that "feelings exhaust themselves and evaporate, if not embodied in practice" [7]. This perspective underscores the need for conviction to be accompanied by action, rather than being swayed by fleeting emotions.
Sources
- I Corinthians “I Corinthians 10:29 (KJV) — Conscience, I say, not thine own, but of the other: for why is my liberty judged of another man’s conscience?”
- 1 Corinthians “1 Corinthians 10:29 (NASB) — I mean not your own conscience, but the other man's; for why is my freedom judged by another's conscience?”
- II Corinthians “II Corinthians 1:17 (LEB) — Therefore, when I was wanting to do this, perhaps then was I making use of vacillation? Or was I deciding what I was deciding according to the flesh, in order that with me my “yes” may be “yes” and my “no” may be “no” at the same time?”
- 1 John (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on 1 John 3:20: The apostle, having intimated that there may be, even among us, such a privilege as an assurance or sound persuasion of heart towards God, proceeds here, I. To establish the court of conscience, and to assert the authority of it: For, if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things, Jo1 3:20. Our heart here is our self-reflecting judicial power, that noble excellent ability whereby we can take cognizance of ourselves, of our spirits, our dispositions, and actions, and accordingly pass a judgment upon our state towards God; and so it ”
- Job (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Job 33:3: I will speak according to my inward conviction. clearly--rather, "purely"; sincerely, not distorting the truth through passion, as the friends did.”
- 1 John (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 1 John 3:19: For if our heart condemn us,.... Of want of love to the brethren, and of hypocrisy in it, as well as of any other sin; for the conscience, which is meant by the heart here, is accuser, witness and judge; it accuses of the evil of sin, and is as good as a thousand witnesses; and upon its own testimony pronounces guilty, and condemns. God is greater than our heart: for he is the Maker of it, and he has the power over it, and the management of it; it is in his hands, and to be turned by him as he pleases; and he is the searcher and trier of it; and besides, is a swifte”
- James (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on James 4:17: The general principle illustrated by the particular example just discussed is here stated: knowledge without practice is imputed to a man as great and presumptuous sin. James reverts to the principle with which he started. Nothing more injures the soul than wasted impressions. Feelings exhaust themselves and evaporate, if not embodied in practice. As we will not act except we feel, so if we will not act out our feelings, we shall soon cease to feel. Next: James Chapter 5”
- Romans (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Romans 7:14: Here is a description of the conflict between grace and corruption in the heart, between the law of God and the law of sin. And it is applicable two ways: - 1. To the struggles that are in a convinced soul, but yet unregenerate, in the person of whom it is supposed, by some, that Paul speaks. 2. To the struggles that are in a renewed sanctified soul, but yet in a state of imperfection; as other apprehend. And a great controversy there is of which of these we are to understand the apostle here. So far does the evil prevail here, when he speaks of one sold under sin”
- Hosea (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Hosea 11:9: I will not execute - Here is the issue of this conflict in the Divine mind. Mercy triumphs over Judgment; Ephraim shall be spared. He is God, and not man. He cannot be affected by human caprices. They are now penitent, and implore mercy; he will not, as man would do, punish them for former offenses, when they have fallen into his hand. The holy place is in Ephraim, and God is in this holy place; and he will not go into the cities, as he did into Sodom and Gomorrah, to destroy them. Judgment is his strange work. How exceedingly affecting are these two verses!”