We know love by this, that he laid down his life for us – and we ought to lay down our lives for one another. How does God’s love abide in anyone who has the world’s goods and sees a brother or sister in need and yet refuses to help?

Little children, let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action. And by this we will know that we are from the truth and will reassure our hearts before him whenever our hearts condemn us; for God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything.

1 John 3:16-20

God knows us better than we know ourselves. He is 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.

God knows all 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. This wonderful truth sets my heart at rest.

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.

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

Our Daily Bread – June 28, 2004