When our hearts condemn us

As Christians, we are to be joyful people. Who says? Check out Psalms 40:16, 70:4, 97:12, 98:4, 105:3; Philippians 2:18, 4:4; and I Thessalonians 5:16-18 (to name a few) in order to see that we can be happy and that God is pleased when we are happy. But, how can we be happy if we're unsure about our salvation? The book of I John is filled with encouragement and tells us how we CAN KNOW that we are going to Heaven. But what if we don't feel that we are worthy, or have done enough, or been good enough? In all truth, that is accurate! Not one of us is worthy, no one of us has done enough, for sure not one of us is good enough. Paul tells us this very clearly in his letter to the Romans. So, instead of giving into those feelings, do as a very dear friend once told me, "Get over yourself!" Accept this truth and move on to another truth: we CAN KNOW we are bound for Heaven. I John 3:20-24 tells us that even if our heart (our feelings?) condemns us, "God is greater than our heart, and knows all things. Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence toward God. And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commangments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight. And this is His commandment: that we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another, as He gave us commandment. Now he who keeps His commandments abides in Him, and He in him. And by this we know that He abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us." Since you are reading this, you probably have the first part of the commandment intact: you believe in Jesus Christ and have made Him your Lord and Savior. (If you haven't yet, keep on seeking Him and you WILL find Him. Jesus promises that in verse 22 above and Matthew 7:7. Need to know more, let us know.)
The second part of the verse to "love one another" can be harder when we think of love as a feeling. But love is a choice of action; a choice to be kind; a choice to sacrifice our comfort, time and/or money; a choice to not think of ourselves so highly that we don't see the needs of others; And it's a choice to grow to be more like Jesus each day. Simple? Yes. Easy? No, but SO worthwhile and SO confidence building! And, this work you don't do alone. The Spirit of God is with us every step of the way.
So, sisters and brothers, next time you are asked if you're saved, give a confident YES! by the Grace of God!
God's peace and joy be in your hearts and minds. Till next time, Jackie

Next blog: What is Christian maturity?