For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another; in the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel (Romans 2:14-16).

For some people seeking counseling, it=s a matter of an evil or bad conscience condemning them before God because of sin.   Sometimes, a person has refused to listen to and rejected their conscience, and made their faith a shipwreck (I Timothy 1:19).  Conscience can be defiled (Titus 1:15), or even seared (I Timothy 4:2).

God=s provision for a bad conscience is the blood of Jesus Christ, received through repentance by faith.  His precious blood purges the conscience from dead works (the works of sin that lead to death and produce no life) (Hebrews 9:14), and it sprinkles the heart from an evil conscience (Hebrews 10.22), cleansing it and giving pardon and peace.

For some, it=s a matter of a good conscience.  Like Paul, they exercise themselves to always have a conscience void of offense toward God, and toward men (Acts 24:16).  Thus they are voluntarily opening their life up for inspection and conviction by the Holy Spirit through counsel from God=s Word.  Occasionally, such a person is being accused and spoken evil of, yet their conscience is not condemning them, and that confuses or concerns them.  Word Based Counseling can help them sort out the facts and their feelings, and come to an assurance that they are walking Ain simplicity and Godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God@ and thus rejoice in the testimony of their conscience (II Corinthians 1:12).