Regarding those who are born again of the Spirit John wrote, “In whatever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart and knows all things” (1 John 3:20).

The first issue to consider is that John declared a Christian’s heart can produce a convincing sense of condemnation. Because of sin we might feel an accusing conscience and ask ourselves, “Why did I ever think such an evil thought?” Or “How could I do that and still be a Christian?”

In reality, a condemning heart is not a bad thing if there is regular sin occurring in our life. The Holy Spirit brings a healthy conviction to our soul so that we respond by bringing our failures to God’s throne of grace. The idea is that we would then confess, repent, renounce, realize forgiveness for our sins and press forward, knowing with confidence that our relationship with God is on track.

The Bible declares, “As we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.” (1 John 1:7).By forgiving us in Christ, God conquers our condemning heart to bring assurance of our salvation. When condemnation has been removed, confidence with God abounds.

On the night Jesus was betrayed Peter took his eye off the ball and denied knowing Christ three times. The world says three strikes and you’re out, but not Jesus. Our Lord knew Pete was in desperate need of comfort and confidence in order to become the leader God intended him to become. In John 21 on the shores of the Galilee Jesus asked Peter three times if Peter loved Him, and three times Peter confessed his love. Jesus said, “Follow Me,” and the rest is history. Peter’s condemning heart was then replaced with confidence to serve his Savior.

Sometimes our heart condemns us but in doing so it delivers the wrong verdict.

God is greater than our heart.
Pastor Huck