In the world of Christian readers, books are more than entertainment. They’re windows into values, beliefs, and sometimes, deeply personal convictions. But what happens when our reading choices don’t look the same? When one believer reads only Christian fiction while another enjoys fantasy or historical romance with secular elements? Or when someone avoids certain genres entirely, while others feel no conviction against them?
This is where conviction and condemnation often collide.
Understanding the Difference
- Conviction is personal. It’s the Holy Spirit gently guiding our hearts, shaping our choices out of love for God.
- Condemnation is judgment. It says, “Because I don’t read this, you shouldn’t either.” Or worse, “You’re less spiritual because you do.”
Romans 14 gives a beautiful framework for this conversation. Paul talks about believers who eat meat and those who don’t for spiritual reasons. His instruction?
“Let everyone be fully convinced in their own mind” (Romans 14:5)
and
“Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another” (Romans 14:13).
Why Our Boundaries Differ
Every Christian walks a unique journey with God. Our past experiences, strengths, weaknesses, and spiritual maturity levels shape what we can handle without stumbling.
- Someone recovering from a pornography addiction may avoid romance novels entirely and that is wisdom.
- Another believer might read fantasy or sci-fi and see Christ-like symbolism in sacrifice, courage, or redemption.
- One reader may feel uneasy with books that include magic or darker themes, while another sees them as allegories of spiritual warfare.
Both can be honoring God if they are following His conviction, not their comfort or culture.
Conviction Should Lead to Holiness, Not Pride
When God convicts you about something, whether it’s a genre, a storyline, or even a specific book. It’s an invitation into deeper holiness but that conviction is not a weapon to use against others.
Condemnation says:
- “Good Christians don’t read that.”
- “If you really loved Jesus, you’d stay away from those books.”
Conviction says:
- “For me, this is not spiritually beneficial.”
- “I’m choosing to honor God by letting this go.”
Conviction leads to personal transformation. Condemnation leads to division.
How to Extend Grace in Our Reading Differences
1. Assume the Best, Not the Worst
Believe that most Christians genuinely want to honor God even if their way looks different than yours.
2. Let Scripture Be the Standard, Not Personal Preference
It’s okay to have personal convictions, but we shouldn’t turn them into universal rules unless Scripture clearly does.
3. Share, Don’t Shame
There’s a big difference between saying:
- “This book wasn’t good for my spirit; here’s why…”
and - “No Christian should ever read that book.”
4. Ask Gentle Questions Instead of Offering Harsh Opinions
- “What do you think God is teaching you through this book?”
- “Does it bring you closer to Him?”
These invite reflection, not defensiveness.
5. Focus on the Fruit
What kind of fruit is the book producing? Love, joy, peace or confusion, temptation, and numbness? This matters more than genre labels.
Unity in Diversity
The body of Christ is not meant to be uniform but united.
We might read differently, think differently, even struggle differently…
Yet we are called to the same grace, the same Savior, the same mission.
“Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” — Ephesians 4:3
Final Thought
In the end, books pass. Trends fade. But how we treat one another remains.
So let’s choose conviction without condemnation.
Let’s read with discernment, walk in humility, and leave room for the Holy Spirit to guide each heart without us playing judge or gatekeeper.
Because the goal isn’t to have the “perfect reading list.”
The goal is to have a heart that loves God and loves people like He does.
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Stay blessed.
Biyai
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