1 John 3:19–20
Memory Verse
And by this we know that we are out from the truth and will assure our hearts before Him, that if our hearts find fault, that God is greater than our hearts and knows all things (1 John 3:19–20).
In the discussion of how we know love, for Christ laid down His life for us, and based upon this knowledge we are to lay down our lives for fellow believers, John encourages a faith that produces works. We are not to love in word or in tongue, but in deed and truth. If a Christian sees a fellow saint in need of the necessities of biological life and has some to share, how can this man say he loves if he is indifferent? What value does saying, “Be warm and filled,” to such a one have; yet, provide nothing for their care?
As we live out our faith in works and truth, our hearts may have knowledge against us. This is not condemnation; it is finding fault by knowing something against someone. Let us learn from both our failures and successes of the past, following Paul’s example, and take every opportunity to live out the righteousness we have in Christ. When our hearts hold knowledge against us, let us remember God is greater than our hearts and respond by living out the righteousness we have in Christ through works and truth, no longer merely through words and tongue. Stop saying you are a Christian and start being one.