Assured Heart

1 John‬ ‭3‬:‭19

“And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him.” 1 John‬ ‭3‬:‭19‬ ‭KJV

We want to know our faith is real. We want confidence that we belong to Jesus. But there are times when doubts creep in and questions arise. John points us to one piece of evidence that brings assurance: love.

When God’s love is at work in our hearts, it begins to show itself in the way we treat others. The presence of that love doesn’t make us perfect, but it does provide evidence that God is continuing His work within us.

John wants believers to know their faith is genuine. He wants them to have confidence in Christ rather than living in constant uncertainty. Here in verse 19, he writes: “And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him.”

Notice John connects assurance with what he’s just been discussing. The previous verse speaks about loving “in deed and in truth.” In other words, genuine love is more than just words. It’s visible. It takes action.

Then he says, “And hereby we know…”

The evidence points back to the love he has just described. When God’s love is working in our lives, it provides reassurance that we’re walking in the truth. That doesn’t mean believers never struggle with doubt, or have questions. And it certainly doesn’t mean we earn our salvation through good works. What John is describing is evidence, not a basis for salvation.

Apple trees produce apples because they’re apple trees. The fruit doesn’t create the tree; it reveals what the tree already is. In the same way, acts of love do not make us Christians. They reveal the work Christ is doing within us.

That’s why love, truth, obedience, and confidence are so closely connected throughout this passage. When we walk with God, His character begins to shape ours. We become more aware of the needs of others, and more willing to serve and forgive. Not perfectly, but progressively.

And as we see those evidences of God’s work in our lives, our hearts are encouraged. John’s purpose is not to turn our attention inward until we become obsessed with ourselves. His purpose is to help us recognize the fingerprints of God’s grace.

The very same God who saved us is still at work within us. And when we see His love being expressed through our lives, our hearts can rest assured that we are walking in the truth!!!

Father, it is most wonderful to know we have all we need to live in love and to love others as Christ loved me. Help us to abide in Him and He in us so we may know we are walking in spirit and in truth. May we draw closer to You every moment of the day and may both our words and deeds be honoring to You. Help us to walk in righteousness all the days of our lives, keeping the eyes of my heart on Jesus and maintaining a clear conscience before You. Change me, us we pray, from one state of glory to the next for the honour of Your name.

Father we love You. Amen