Confidence before God

1 John 3:21 Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God; We learned yesterday that believers in Christ have an antidote for condemnation, namely, that God knows all things and therefore when Jesus died for sins, He didn’t miss any. He saw them all, knew them, identified with them, and bore the full penalty for them. He laid down His life for us! That is love according to John in vs. 16 of this chapter. He called his readers “Beloved” again to emphasize the basis for their peace with God. Having an answer for our sins before God, our heart offers no more condemnation. John wanted his readers to know and the Holy Spirit wants all believers to know that they have a basis for confidence with God. They may come to Him boldly. This reminds me of Hebrews 4:14-16. “Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” This is a great encouragement for us today to live to love with Jesus. We can and therefore should draw near to Him, abide in Him, for the mercy He gives to us as sinners and for the grace to love as He has commanded us. We know that God is pleased with the life and love of His Son being manifested through our lives. This is our confidence before God. He loves us, and we know He does because He has given us His Son to love through us is for His glory and pleasure. When we live to love with Jesus, our hearts have nothing with which to condemn us before God. I hope you realize what a privilege and honor it is to embrace Jesus’ life and purpose. Isn’t it wonderful to have confidence before God to come to Him for grace to be able to love people today for His glory?! Enjoy the day and the opportunities God gives you.