Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God. – 1 John 3:21
Kobe Bryant once said, “Winning takes precedence over all. There’s no gray area. No almosts.” And he seemed to live his short life with that in mind. Playing for 20 years with the LA Lakers, he was a star in the professional basketball game.
God has no gray areas. In the court of life, you are called to love what He loves and hate what He hates. Today’s verse indicates your heart may condemn you because of unconfessed wrongs you have committed. When you believe in His Word, confess your sins, and seek to obey His commands, in Christ you will not be condemned. When you come before the Lord, you may be confident and assured of His welcoming arms because of the sacrifice made by Jesus, your Savior.
The fruit of your faith includes loving the way God loves, seeking to follow His statutes, and being a light in the midst of this dark world. The Spirit of the Lord lives within you, and you can submit to His power that drives out any doubt or fear that tries to invade your heart. You may live with the confidence of faith in a redeeming God who is loving and just.
With this assurance of redemption, petition the Lord for those who have not seen His light. Intercede for the governing officials in this nation, that they will follow the Lord’s commands and do what is right in His sight.
Today’s Verse: 1 John 3:21
Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God;
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Psalm 119:27, 33-40
27 Make me understand the way of your precepts,
and I will meditate on your wondrous works.
33 Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statutes;
and I will keep it to the end.
34 Give me understanding, that I may keep your law
and observe it with my whole heart.
35 Lead me in the path of your commandments,
for I delight in it.
36 Incline my heart to your testimonies,
and not to selfish gain!
37 Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things;
and give me life in your ways.
38 Confirm to your servant your promise,
that you may be feared.
39 Turn away the reproach that I dread,
for your rules are good.
40 Behold, I long for your precepts;
in your righteousness give me life!
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
