Please take a moment to read our devotional about 1 John 3:21–22.

If our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God and receive from him anything we ask.
1 John 3:21–22

You know the person who criticizes you the most quite intimately. This critic’s voice is always in your ear, pointing out what you should have done, mocking what you have done, and ignoring your rebuttals. While others may contribute to the criticism, usually we are our own worst critic. We hold ourselves to an impossible standard that keeps us scrambling on a cycle of trying harder, failing, feeling ashamed, on and on. Throw in constant comparisons to others and the ups and downs we’re bound to experience each day, and it’s no wonder that we often struggle in our faith.

When we accept the free gift of salvation and embrace God’s loving forgiveness through Christ, we no longer face condemnation from any source. Even when it seems easier to believe that God has forgiven us than it is to forgive ourselves, we must learn to quiet our critic. As we grow in our faith, we become more aware of our true identity, God’s child created in his image for good works.

God says you are worthy. Confidence comes from swimming in the depths of God’s love. Don’t believe what anyone else—including yourself—may try to tell you.

You can grow closer to God with my full Jesus Daily® Devotional Book at Amazon or fine bookstores everywhere.

Pray: “Jesus, thank you for dying on the cross for my sins and that there is nothing that separates me from your love. Empower me to live in the fullness of this truth.”