Guard Your HeartSample

Do not let your heart condemn you

“Whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and He knows everything” (1 John 3:20).

As all born-again Christians experience, being a believer does not mean being sinless. Even people who earnestly love God and have devoted their lives to him experience sin that “clings so closely” (Hebrews 12:1). That is discouraging. We don’t want to sin, but we nevertheless do! As the apostle Paul exclaimed: “For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing” (Romans 7:18-19).

However, recognizing that we are still sinners should never lead us to doubt our salvation! “If anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. He is the propitiation for our sins” (1 John 2:1-2). “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).

If your heart condemns you, remind yourself: Whoever believes in Jesus Christ is not condemned but is holy and righteous in Him.