“If our hearts condemn us, we know that God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything.” 1 John 3:20 NIV
John is saying, “. . . whatever our hearts may say, God knows us better than we even know ourselves.” This is illustrated and reinforced when Jesus met Peter after the resurrection, after Peter’s shameful denial that he did not know Jesus. To restore him, Jesus asked Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these?” Peter replied, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” Jesus replied, “Tend My lambs.” Then, Jesus repeated the question, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me?” Peter answered, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” Jesus said, “Shepherd My sheep.” Peter had denied Jesus three times, so Jesus asks a third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me?” Peter was grieved, probably because he was recalling his awful sin. But note his reply, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.” Jesus said, “Tend My sheep.” In effect, Peter said, “Lord, as far as I know my own heart, I do love You. But, You know me better than I know myself, and I appeal to Your knowledge.” This is the thrust of John’s words. If we know that we are God’s child through faith in Jesus Christ, then even when our heart condemns us for falling short, God is greater than our heart. He knows that He has justified us. When we have sinned, we can confess that sin and come back to Him. Our assurance is based on the knowledge of how God has already worked in our lives and the knowledge of God’s greater knowledge of our hearts. He wants all His children to be assured of His great love.
PRAYER THOUGHT
Lord, thank You for the assurance of Your love, even when we fail.
PRAYER FOR TODAY
Lord, You are greater than our hearts. You know that You have justified us. When we have sinned, we can confess that sin and come back to You. Our assurance is based on the knowledge of how You have already worked in our lives and the knowledge of Your greater knowledge of our hearts. AMEN
I.B.R.A. Readings
Exodus 18:13-23
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