1 John 3:18-24

18Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in
truth. 19This then is how we know that we belong to the truth, and how we
set our hearts at rest in his presence 20whenever our hearts condemn us. For
God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything. 21Dear friends, if our
hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God 22and receive from
him anything we ask, because we obey his commands and do what pleases him.
23And this is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and
to love one another as he commanded us. 24Those who obey his commands live
in him, and he in them. And this is how we know that he lives in us: We know it
by the Spirit he gave us.

Meditation
1. Read this passage slowly and carefully. Think: why can we cease to be
controlled by the internal voice of self-criticism when we love others (v21)?
2. What role does self-criticism play in my life? Do I constantly criticize myself
or do I find it difficult to receive compliments or affirmation? Explore this
with God, and talk with Him about what I discover.
3. Why does John so firmly ties loving others and freedom from self-criticism?
Ponder this connection(18-20,24).
4. Pay special attention today to my self-criticism. Jot these things down. Then,
talk to God about it. Recall what John says about loving others and selfcriticism,
and ponder it some more. Thank God and accept the “confidence
before God” (v21).

Personal Note:
I find that I struggle with self criticism that wants to condemn my heart.  Am I a good enough pastor, husband, brother...?  When I love others in action and in truth, the condemnation ceases.  The guilt and shame is taken away as I dwell in God's presence.  I can receive affirmation from others when I am convicted of my acceptance before God.  I thank God for reminding me that loving others frees me from self criticism.