Whenever our hearts in [tormenting] self-accusation make us feel guilty and condemn us. [For we are in God's hands.] For He is above and greater than our consciences (our hearts), and He knows (perceives and understands) everything [nothing is hidden from Him].
And, beloved, if our consciences (our hearts) do not accuse us [if they do not make us feel guilty and condemn us], we have confidence (complete assurance and boldness) before God,
And we receive from Him whatever we ask, because we [watchfully] obey His orders [observe His suggestions and injunctions, follow His plan for us] and [habitually] practice what is pleasing to Him.
And this is His order (His command, His injunction): that we should believe in (put our faith and trust in and adhere to and rely on) the name of His Son Jesus Christ (the Messiah), and that we should love one another just as He has commanded us.
All who keep His commandments [who obey His orders and follow His plan, live and continue to live , to stay and ] abide in Him, and He in them. [They let Christ be a home to them and they are the home of Christ.] And by this we know and understand and have the proof that He [really] lives and makes His home in us: by the [Holy] Spirit Whom He has given us.
(1 John 3:20-24)
First John 3:20,21 speaks to us about condemnation in our hearts. A condemned heart steals confidence. Anyone who wants to be a victorious Christian must learn to handle condemnation. When he sins, he needs to know how to shake it off and quickly go on because no one is perfect. He may have a perfect heart, a heart that genuinely loves and seeks to please God, but he still will not be prefect in every thought, word, and deed.
I know how condemning it is to teach others about what is right and then foul up in that very area. When we do things like that, we feel a double dose of condemnation because the devil says to us, "You of all people ought to know better." If we listen to him, he will make us feel that we are not worthy of God's love.
We must be able to shake off feelings of condemnation. If we can not, we will have no confidence before God. Without confidence, our faith will not work. And without faith, we cannot please God or receive from Him the things we need in order to do what He has called us to do.
That is why Proverbs 4:23 teaches us to guard our hearts with all diligence and reminds us that the issues of life flow out of our hearts.
God convicts us of our wrongdoing; He does not condemn us. Conviction helps us repent and be lifted out of our problems; condemnation only pushes us down and makes us feel bad about ourselves.
Romans 8:33,34 tells us that God justifies us; He does not bring charges against us. Jesus does not condemn us. He died for us. He sits at the Father's right hand, actually pleading in intercession for us (see Romans 8:34). I have learned from this scripture that when I feel condemned, I either do it to myself or the devil does it to me. Always submit to God's conviction, but resist Satan's condemnation.
Page 2102 and 2103 in The Everyday Life Bible
The Power of God's Word for Everyday living.
Amplified Version
Featuring Notes And Commentary By: Joyce Meyer
Please always remember God loves you.
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