Condemn

"This is how we know that we belong to the truth and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence: If our hearts condemn us, we know that God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything" (1 John 3:19-20).

Has your heart ever condemned you?

Maybe first we need to define a couple of words. When John talks about "heart," he's not referring to the physical blood-pumping muscle in the middle (or close to the middle) of your chest. That heart might betray you (in the form of heart disease or a heart attack) but it doesn't generally "condemn" you. The "heart" John is referring to here is the place where our emotions reside, where our impulses, desires and affections come from.

The word "condemn," then, means "to lodge a judgment against." Much as a judge might hand down a sentence, condemnation means blame, reproach or a negative determination. Literally, the word means "to know against." It might even be understood as knowing only negative or evil things about a person.

So in what way does your heart condemn you?

If you've ever experienced it (and I suspect we all have), you don't really need the question asked. You know what that feels like. The whisper that says, "That's the best you can do?" The voice, a little louder, that says to your soul, "You'll never be good enough." The shout that echoes throughout your being, "How in the world could you have done that?" Our heart, because it is so tied to fleeting emotions, condemns us regularly. We know the voice. We recognize the whisper. We too often listen to the shout.

The world would tell us that all we need to combat such a "feeling" is better self-esteem. The Bible say, instead, what we need is God-esteem...seeing ourselves as God sees us. That's what John prescribes. He reminds his readers that the God who created you, the God whose love for you is proclaimed on every page of sacred Scripture, the God who sent his son Jesus to live and die for you—that God is greater than your heart. Though it often seems that the heart speaks the loudest, God's voice (a still, small whisper) is more powerful. And more true. The heart will lie to you. God never will.

So train yourself when the heart begins its condemning ritual to listen instead to the voice of the one who whispers to your soul things like...

I have loved you with an everlasting love;

I have drawn you with unfailing kindness. (Jeremiah 31:3)

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11)

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. (Matthew 11:28-29)

I could go on and on....but what are your favorite promises? What words speak peace to you when your heart condemns you? Share them in the comments!

And remember—God is greater than your heart.