"God Is Greater Than Our Hearts"

At the end of the first century C.E., John wrote to his fellow believers: "By this we shall know that we originate with the truth, and we shall assure out hearts before him as regards whatever our hearts may condemn us in, because God is greater  than our hearts and knows all things."  Why did John write these words? -1 John 3:19, 20.

John clearly knew that it was possible for a servant of Jehovah to feel condemned at heart. Perhaps John himself had experienced such feelings. As a young man with a fiery temperament, John was on occasion corrected by Jesus Christ for being too severe in dealing with others.  In fact, Jesus gave John and his brother James "the surname Boanerges, which means Sons of Thunder." -Mark 3:17; Luke 9:49-56.

Over the next 60 years, John mellowed and became a balanced, loving and merciful Christian.  By the time he, as the last surviving apostle, penned his first inspired letter, he knew that Jehovah does not take each of his servants to task for every misdemeanor.  Rather, he is a  warm, largehearted, generous and compassionate Father, who has deep love for all who love him and worship him in truth.  John wrote: "God is love." -1 John 4:8.

Next time: Jehovah Rejoices Over Our Service to Him

The Watchtower, 2000