“This is how we know that we belong to the truth and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence: 20 If our hearts condemn us, we know that God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything. 21 Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God 22 and receive from him anything we ask, because we keep his commands and do what pleases him. 23 And this is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us. 24 The one who keeps God’s commands lives in him, and he in them. And this is how we know that he lives in us: We know it by the Spirit he gave us.” 1 John 3.19-24
How do we know we belong to the truth? How do we set our hearts at rest in His presence? These are the first two statements John makes in this passage: belonging to the truth and resting or having assurance in His presence. What does it mean for our hearts to condemn us? To worry? To be anxious? To run from the truth?
We want our hearts, feelings, emotions, and beliefs to be in sync with God and His plan, purpose, and love for our lives. If we keep His commands (v. 21) and do what pleases Him, we will have God-given confidence because we will be able to receive anything we ask of Him.
What is His command? To believe in Jesus as the Son, the Christ, and to love one another as He commanded us (v. 23). The command is neither complex nor complicated. Yet, if you look at the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the doctrines and disciplines of the Global Methodist Church, or any other book of polity, beliefs, or practices, you will find thousands of pages on how to be the church. But it really comes down to a heart condition—love God/Jesus and love others.
I had an interesting conversation yesterday while at dinner. On an outdoor porch, Lane and I were speaking to another couple when they asked what we did. The moment I mentioned being a Methodist pastor and affiliated with Baylor, we captured the engagement and interest of two more tables. We spent the rest of our meal sharing the hope of the Gospel with believers and unbelievers alike. So much for date night! But it was a beautiful exchange among people of faith and those growing in faith, connecting in a meaningful way. And it happened “randomly” outside a seafood restaurant in Horseshoe Bay, Texas.
The condition of the heart is what matters. We live according to Him because of the Spirit He has placed within us. This is good news. Will you trust in Jesus today and live according to His purpose for your life?
“O Lord God, You are good. Thank You for loving us. Thank You for the cross and for allowing us to walk in Your ways. Help us, Lord to submit our hearts to you. Not to be anxious or worried but to trust you with every day. Come now, Holy Spirit, fill me with your truth. For you are good and your love endures forever.” Amen