1st John 3:22. “And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.” KEEP AND DO. Do not hesitate – it is alright to ask We are not intruders in the place we call “home” His smile is there when the clouds are lifted off the soul He hears – He really does, and answers in peace
It is a habit; true believers have in common Commandments – not just to be memorized and quoted But lived – kept, perhaps in a general way at times – we do have the whole Book Also more carefully keep those things written that apply – specifically
He knows – what we see and do gratefully and in a graceful way We are walking in His sight – how can He not know every act More – why would we not want to be close to Him we love – Keep in touch with Him and bring pleasure to Him
We are not in the dark blindly grasping for straws or shadows His Word is revealed by the Spirit – surely, we want to obey We have received from Him – therefore be thankful His commandments are not grievous – therefore obey them
“How blessed are we to be Thy children, Father God, and to be able to ask of Thee our petitions in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.”
True, we have been commanded to love. The contrasts of love and the absence of love are easily discerned. It is as pronounced as the contrast between God and the devil. Children of God love, children of the devil hate. The conduct of love was demonstrated by the love of Christ and is demonstrated in the love of God's children for each other. The confidence of love is that we are assured by the fact of it in us, even by our failure and guilt. The importance of love is that God is love and He knows our hearts because He knows everything.
After looking at ourselves and our lives through God's eyes and having been assured by Him that He knows our hearts, accepts our confession, forgives completely and restores us fully, then we have confidence. Self- condemnation has no reason to continue because any barrier has been removed, and we are able to be face to face with our God. There are no clouds to hide His face from us. We can enjoy fellowship with Him and have boldness in the sense of reverential respect to speak to Him. Contact with God is real and relevant, and we are able to approach Him as His children, not as our Judge.