We were celebrating David’s birthday, eating pizza and watching a movie he had received. Of course, my kids were also on their phones. They asked if I saw something on Facebook and I got out my phone to look it up.
A friend popped up on Messenger. She wanted to tell me she was expecting a boy! I chatted with her for a bit, told her I was praying for her baby and asked if she was taking care of herself.
“As best as I can; we don’t have much food.”
I froze! She lives in another state. It’s not like I can run food over to her. I made a mental note to talk to her family the next night – and forgot. I have been faithfully praying for her baby but I felt like I should do more. But what?
1 John 3:20, “For if our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart and knows everything.” Modern English Version
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“My dear children, let’s not just talk about love let’s practice real love. This is the only way we’ll know we’re living truly, living in God’s reality. It’s also the way to shut down debilitating self-criticism, even when there is something to it. For God is greater than our worried hearts and knows more about us than we do ourselves.” The Message
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“Many are afraid they don’t love others as they should. They feel guilty because they think they are not doing enough to show proper love to Christ. Their consciences bother them.
John has these people in mind in this letter. How do we escape the gnawing accusations of our consciences? Not by ignoring them or rationalizing our behavior but by setting our heart on God’s love.
When we feel guilty we should remind ourselves that God knows our motives as well as our actions. His voice of assurance is stronger than the accusing voice of our conscience.
If we are in Christ, he will not condemn us (Romans 8:1; Hebrews 9:14, 15). So if you are living for the Lord but feeling that you are not good enough, remind yourself that God is greater than your conscience.” Life Application Study Bible Notes.
I know God forgives me for forgetting to talk to my friend’s family and I will continue to pray for her needs and her little bundle of joy.
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