Love not only identifies us as God’s children—it gives us boldness before Him. When our hearts condemn us, God’s truth and love reassure us. The one who abides in Christ walks in confidence, because His Spirit lives within.

Scripture
“Even if we feel guilty, God is greater than our feelings, and he knows everything. Dear friends, if we don’t feel guilty, we can come to God with bold confidence. And we will receive from him whatever we ask because we obey him and do the things that please him. And this is his commandment: We must believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and love one another, just as he commanded us.” — 1 John 3:20–23 (NLT)

Reflection
Our hearts can be fickle. At times we may feel condemned by guilt or uncertainty. Yet John reminds us that God is greater than our feelings. His knowledge of us is deeper than our own. When we belong to Him, our assurance rests not in how steady our emotions are, but in His unchanging truth.

Confidence before God grows from obedience and faith. Believing in Jesus and loving one another are at the very core of what pleases Him. When these are present, prayer becomes bold, not because we demand our will, but because we are aligned with His.

The Spirit Himself confirms this reality within us: “Those who obey God’s commandments remain in fellowship with him, and he with them. And we know he lives in us because the Spirit he gave us lives in us” (1 John 3:24, NLT).

Application
If your heart condemns you today, rest in the truth that God is greater than your feelings. Return to the simplicity of faith and love—trust Christ and walk in love toward others. As you do, approach God in prayer with confidence, knowing He hears and delights in His children.

References
“So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.” — Hebrews 4:16 (NLT)

Prayer
Father, thank You that my confidence before You rests not on my feelings but on the finished work of Jesus. Strengthen my faith, deepen my love for others, and remind me that Your Spirit lives within me. Teach me to pray boldly, trusting in Your wisdom and grace. Amen.