A Note from Michael Gossett
The Cure for the Condemned Heart
When most people think about exercising the heart, they imagine running, lifting weights, or engaging in activities that increase cardiovascular endurance. A well-conditioned heart is crucial for physical health, as it pumps life-giving blood throughout the body—beating, on average, 100,000 times per day and 2.5 billion times over a lifetime.
However, in the biblical framework, the heart is far more than just a physical organ; it represents the core of our inner nature, our spiritual vitality, and our deepest affections. Augustine of Hippo, reflecting on the nature of the heart, once wrote, “You have made us for Yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in You.”
Scripture mentions the heart 987 times, almost always referring to this spiritual reality rather than the physical heart. Just as our bodies require exercise for health, our spiritual hearts require discipline and nourishment for us to thrive in Christ. In 1 John 3:18-24, the Apostle John calls us to exercise our spiritual hearts, recognizing that even believers can struggle with a condemning heart—a heart weighed down by guilt, fear, and doubt.
The enemy thrives on this, whispering accusations that keep us from walking in joyful obedience to Christ. But John, with the pastoral wisdom of an aged disciple, offers a remedy. Here, he gives us seven exercises to cure a condemning heart.
1. Rest in God’s Presence
John reassures us in verse 19:
“This is how we will know that we belong to the truth and will reassure our hearts before him.” Other translations render this as “set our hearts at rest.” A restless heart is a heart in turmoil—much like waiting anxiously for the results of a critical medical test. However, when the results come back clear, peace floods in. Similarly, our hearts find rest in the presence of God when we anchor ourselves in His truth. John Calvin, in his Institutes of the Christian Religion, writes, “Faith is not a distant view, but a warm embrace of Christ.”
The importance of resting in God’s presence is woven throughout redemptive history. The Sabbath was given to Israel to remind them that they were no longer enslaved to Egypt’s relentless demands. Their worth was not measured by productivity but by their identity as God’s chosen people. Jesus echoes this same principle in Matthew 11:28-29: “Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take up my yoke and learn from me, because I am lowly and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Richard Baxter, the great Puritan pastor, wisely said, “A holy rest is better than the sweetest labor. He that labors most must rest most in God.” A heart at rest is a heart that trusts in God’s provision. The world tells us to hustle, to strive, to never stop—but the gospel reminds us that true peace is found in abiding in Christ.
2. Pray with Confidence
John continues in verses 21-22: “Dear friends, if our hearts don’t condemn us, we have confidence before God and receive whatever we ask from him.” A condemning heart cripples our prayer life. When we are weighed down by guilt, we hesitate to approach God. Doubt suffocates our faith, keeping us from boldly bringing our requests before Him.
Yet Scripture calls us to pray with confidence. James 1:5 says, “Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God—who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly—and it will be given to him.” Thomas Watson, the Puritan preacher, said, “Faith is to prayer what the feather is to the arrow; it carries the prayer to heaven and makes it pierce the throne of grace.” Likewise, Hebrews 10:19 declares, “Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have boldness to enter the sanctuary through the blood of Jesus…”
God does not respond to us based on our worthiness but on His grace. As a loving Father, He delights in hearing our prayers. Imagine a child tugging on his father’s sleeve, saying, “Daddy, Daddy!”—but the father is too distracted to respond. Too often, we think of God this way. But Scripture reassures us: “This is the confidence we have before him: If we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.” (1 John 5:14)
Jesus never ignores our prayers. He is never too distracted. He delights in His children coming to Him. So pray boldly, knowing you have His full attention. God does not respond to us based on our worthiness but on His grace. As a loving Father, He delights in hearing our prayers. Martin Luther put it this way: “Prayer is not overcoming God’s reluctance, but laying hold of His willingness.”
3. Obey God’s Word
John connects obedience with confidence in verse 22:
“We receive whatever we ask from him because we keep his commands and do what is pleasing in his sight.” At first glance, this may seem as though God’s love is conditional, dependent on our performance. However, we know from 1 John 4:10 that, “Love consists in this: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins.”
God’s love is not earned—it is freely given. Yet, obedience is the natural response of a heart transformed by grace. Those who love Christ will desire to follow Him. Disobedience does not remove us from His love, but it does hinder our effectiveness in His kingdom. Obedience is not about perfection but about sensitivity to the Spirit’s leading. The more we yield to Christ, the more we see Him changing us.
4. Believe That Jesus is Changing You
John writes in verse 23: “Now this is his command: that we believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and love one another as he commanded us.”
Sanctification is a lifelong process. We are all works in progress, being shaped into the image of Christ. Paul reminds us in Philippians 1:6: “I am sure of this, that he who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
Just as a construction site shows visible progress over time, our lives should reflect ongoing spiritual growth. Though we stumble, Jesus is faithful to complete His work in us.
5. Practice Love for Others
John repeatedly emphasizes love throughout his letter:
- “We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love our brothers and sisters.” (1 John 3:14)
- “Anyone who does not love does not know God.” (1 John 4:8)
- “Love one another as he commanded us.” (1 John 3:23)
Loving others is not always easy. It requires practice and intentionality. Just as an athlete trains to build endurance, we must exercise our love by consistently choosing patience, kindness, and selflessness—even toward those who are difficult.
6. Abide in Christ
John says in verse 24: “The one who keeps his commands remains in him.” To “remain” in Christ means to stay rooted in Him, continually drawing life and strength from Him. Jesus uses the analogy of a vine and branches in John 15:4: “Remain in me, and I in you. Just as a branch is unable to produce fruit by itself unless it remains on the vine, neither can you unless you remain in me.”
A heart that abides in Christ will bear spiritual fruit.
7. Acknowledge Christ in You
John concludes in verse 24: “And the way we know that he remains in us is from the Spirit he has given us.” At the moment of salvation, Christ indwells us. He is not just beside us—He is in us. Paul affirms this mystery in Colossians 1:27: “Christ in you, the hope of glory.” A condemning heart tells you that you are not enough, that you are unworthy. But the gospel says, “there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1).
When we surrender to Him, we find peace, assurance, and true transformation.
You can try to fix your heart through self-effort, but true freedom comes only through trusting the One who bore all your condemnation—Jesus Christ. He alone can silence the accusations and bring lasting peace.
Richard Sibbes, the Puritan pastor, wrote, “There is more mercy in Christ than sin in us.” So exercise your heart. Rest in His presence. Pray with confidence. Obey His Word. Believe in His work in you. Love others. Abide in Him. And acknowledge His Spirit within you. When you do, your heart will no longer condemn you—it will rejoice in the assurance of Christ’s redeeming love.
A Prayer for Today:
Father, thank you for your unfailing love and mercy that is new every morning. Thank you that although my heart is condemned, there is now no condemnation for those who trust you and find our righteousness in you. Help me to rest in this assurance and in your presence today. Help me to pray with complete confidence because of the work of your son, Jesus. Help me to walk with joyful obedience so that others around me will know of your love. Strengthen my faith and assure me that in Christ, I am satisfied. Please guide me today by your Holy Spirit and shape me and mold me to be more like you today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
CALLING ALL MEN: GUYS’ NIGHT 2025!
Men, this is your night—a night of challenge, brotherhood, and real faith. On May 2 from 6:00-9:00 PM, we’re bringing together Dr. Robby Gallaty, and Tim Tebow for one EPIC night that will push you to grow as a man, leader, husband, father, and disciple of Jesus.
Are you ready to step up?
Do you want to be a man who leads with conviction?
Are you tired of surface-level faith and ready to go deeper?
This one-night event is your chance to be challenged, sharpened, and strengthened in your walk with Christ. We’re talking bold truth, powerful testimonies, and real encouragement—plus some legit barbecue because, let’s be honest, no guys’ night is complete without it.
WHO’S IT FOR?
✔️ High school & college guys
✔️ Husbands & fathers
✔️ Grandfathers & mentors
✔️ Men who want more than just going through the motions
📍 When? Friday, May 2 | 6:00-9:00 PM
🍖 What’s included? Barbecue dinner + powerhouse speakers + giveaways + growing relationship with Jesus!
💲 Cost? $25 per person
Bring your crew, grab your tickets, and get ready for a night that will fuel your faith and challenge you to step up as the man God has called you to be.
Don’t wait. Don’t sit this one out. Step up and be part of something bigger!
We’re thrilled to invite you to an evening of uplifting music and warm fellowship! The Green Acres Baptist Church Orchestra presents “A Night of Pops and Praise” – a concert filled with joyful melodies reminiscent of Saturday morning cartoons, beloved classics, and spirited worship favorites.
📅 Date: March 13th
📍 Location: Crosswalk
⏰ Time: 7PM
💲 $5 (includes dessert! 🍰)
THIS SUNDAY: Prepare the Way!
What if you knew a KING was coming to town? Would you get ready? Would you clear the way?
This Sunday at Green Acres, we’re diving into Luke 3:1-6, where John the Baptist announces that the Kingdom of God has arrived! But what does that mean for us today? How do we recognize the times, respond by faith, and remove the obstacles in our lives that keep us from following Jesus?
Come ready to be challenged, encouraged, and reminded that the King is coming—and we must prepare the way!
This Sunday at 9:30 am or 11:00 am at our Tyler Campus, Español Campus (Crosswalk of Tyler Campus at 11:00 am only) or Flint Campus
Invite someone to join you and let’s worship together!
You are loved and prayed for!
Michael Gossett