By this we know we are of the truth and reassure our hearts before Him (v 19)

“By this” refers to verses 16-18

Christ laid down His life for us (v 16)

We lay down our lives for one another opening our hearts to do whatever we can to provide for the needs of one another (v 17)

Let us no love in words or in talk but in deed and in truth (v 18)

Implication: To know we are of the truth and have our hearts before God comes by our actions to meet the needs of one another.

Whenever our hearts condemn us (v 20a)

Implication: John knows our hearts need reassurance when we fail to measure up and our behavior aren’t what they shoucld have been.

Your heart is the command center

Condemnation is the expression of very strong disapproval bringing punishment

So what do we do when our own hearts condemn us?

Remember your God!

Is this feeling and experience leading me away from the Father or toward Him?

God is bigger than your heart and He knows everything about you.

Application: Tell yourself the truth.

His verdict is over you- “I don’t condemn you”

You can have confidence before God with a fruitful prayer life while continuing onward doing what pleasees Him.

This happens by confidence in Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirt abiding in you.

From self condemnation to confident fellowship with God and Spirit filled obedience to Jesus.