READ: 1 John 3:19-24: … Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence toward God. … And this is His commandment: that we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another. Now he who keeps His commandments abides in Him, and He in him. …
“The assurance we have” refers to verse 18. When we notice true love reflected in our actions, it provides faith assurance. We know by this that we are “of the truth.” It’s an indication that we are born of God. This knowledge can reassure our hearts. When we commit sins, our conscience accuse us. However, if, through sincere confession of our sins, we know that we love God, we find ourselves embraced in His love.
Similar to Peter’s outcry to Jesus after denying his Savior (John 21:17): “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.” This brings peace to our hearts and gives us confidence to approach the Lord in prayer. For Christ has opened the way to the throne of grace through His blood and His flesh as a curtain.
Thus, we may approach God with a sincere heart, in full assurance of faith. Our hearts are cleansed from a guilty conscience, and our bodies are washed with clean water (Heb. 10:19-22). When we sincerely confess our sins, our prayers are not hindered.
How can we please God? John summarizes this once again in verse 23 with the duality of loving God and loving our neighbor (cf. Matt. 22:37-40). Loving God is only possible with faith in the name of God’s Son, Jesus Christ. Faith in Him as He has been revealed. It includes loving one another. One is connected to the other: our faith in God’s Son and our love for each other.
Then there is fellowship with Christ, and in Him with God the Father. In Him, we live, and He lives in us. The Spirit makes us aware of what this means: our fellowship with Christ and God the Father!
What happens when we acknowledge our own sins?
Singing: Ps. 133:1