THE TELLTALE HEART
READ:
1 John 3:16-24
If our heart condemns us,
God is greater than our
heart, and knows all things.
-1 John 3:20
Recently I read about a
private investigator in the US who would know on a door, show his badge to
whoever answered, and say, “I guess we
don’t have to tell you why we’re here.” Many
times, the person would look stunned and say, “How did you find out?” then
go on to describe a undiscovered criminal act committed long ago. Writing in Smithsonian magazine, Ron
Rosenbaum described the reaction as “an
opening for the primal force of conscience, the telltale heart’s internal
monologue.”
We all know things about
ourselves that no one else knows-failures, faults, sins-that although confessed
to God and forgiven by Him may come back to accuse us again and again. John, one of Jesus’ close followers, wrote
about God’s love for us and the call to follow His commands, saying: “By
this we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before
Him. For is our hearts condemns us, God
is greater than our heart, and knows all things” (1 John 3:19-20).
Our confidence toward God
grows out of His love and forgiveness in Christ, not our performance in
life. “We know that He abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us” (v.24).
God, who knows everything
about us, is greater than our self-condemnation. –Wesley
*********************************
The one who receives Christ
will never receive God’s condemnation.
INSIGHT
Today’s reading establishes the benchmark for loving others by
looking at what Jesus did for us on the cross (v.16). We know love because of the willingness of
Jesus to die for us, and the necessary response to this love is that we be
willing to give of ourselves for others.
The context implies that this does not require a physical dying on
another’s behalf. It does, however,
challenge us to sacrifice our own interests for the welfare of others as
evidence that we have received God’s love (v.17).
Have a blessed day.
God Our Creator’s Love
Always
Unity & Peace
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