June 28, 2004

Ever Feel Condemned?

God is greater than our heart, and knows all things. —1 John 3:20

Bible In One Year: Job 11-13; Acts 9:1-21

God knows us better than we know ourselves. He's aware of our weaknesses, the memories of sins that seem to predispose us to fail again and again. He knows our heredity and upbringing, the past and present influences that push us in the wrong direction. J. I. Packer calls these the "latent forces" of our existence as well as the "patent facts."

At my stage of Christian growth, I struggle with attitudes and actions over which I seem to have little control. I identify with Dostoevsky, who said, "It is nature asserting its rights." Paul called it "sin that dwells in me" (Romans 7:17). It has made me guilty of much, and capable of much more. That's why my heart sometimes condemns me, even though I'm a believer.

God knows all about the forces that drive me. He also knows the intent of my heart-that I want to love others and desire to do right. He knows my shame when I fail and is quick to forgive when I confess (1 John 1:9). This wonderful truth sets my heart at rest when I feel condemned, for "God is greater than my heart, and knows all things" (3:20).

If you have trusted Jesus as your Savior and your heart condemns you at times, remember that He knows all about it and still loves you. —David Roper

No condemnation now I dread:
Jesus, and all in Him, is mine!
Alive in Him, my living Head,
And clothed in righteousness divine. —Wesley

Guilt is a burden God never intended His children to bear.