I John 3:21
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Beloved, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God,
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
Beloved--There is no "But" contrasting the two cases, Jo1 3:20-21, because "Beloved" sufficiently marks the transition to the case of the brethren walking in the full confidence of love (Jo1 3:18). The two results of our being able to "assure our hearts before Him" (Jo1 3:19), and of "our heart condemning us not" (of insincerity as to the truth in general, and as to LOVE in particular) are, (1) confidence toward God; (2) a sure answer to our prayers. John does not mean that all whose hearts do not condemn them, are therefore safe before God; for some have their conscience seared, others are ignorant of the truth, and it is not only sincerity, but sincerity in the truth which can save men. Christians are those meant here: knowing Christ's precepts and testing themselves by them.
Open source ↗The apostle here magnifies the love of God in our adoption (Jo1 3:1, Jo1 3:2). He thereupon argues for holiness (Jo1 3:3), and against sin (v. 4-19). He presses brotherly love (Jo1 3:11-18). How to assure our hearts before God (Jo1 3:19-22). The precept of faith (Jo1 3:23). And the good of obedience (Jo1 3:24).
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
Cross-references
Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.
And now, little children, remain in Christ, so that when He appears, we may be confident and unashamed before Him at His coming.
Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
And this is our boast: Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially in relation to you, in the holiness and sincerity that are from God—not in worldly wisdom, but in the grace of God.
I will ponder the way that is blameless— when will You come to me? I will walk in my house with integrity of heart.
And this is the confidence that we have before Him: If we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.
let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.
In this way, love has been perfected among us, so that we may have confidence on the day of judgment; for in this world we are just like Him.
Surely then you will delight in the Almighty and lift up your face to God.
I will cling to my righteousness and never let go. As long as I live, my conscience will not accuse me.
My conscience is clear, but that does not vindicate me. It is the Lord who judges me.