1 John 3:21-22 Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God; and whatever we ask we receive from him, because we keep his commandments and do what pleases him.
John links obedience to answered prayer. Obedience from the heart insures a clear conscience. A clear conscience begins with recognizing our sin and confessing it to God. Obedience is shown by being channels of God’s love, especially to the brother or sister in need. None of this is possible without the help of the Holy Spirit. If we struggle with unanswered prayers, we should first look into our hearts. God’s relationship and response to us is directly related to our relationships and responses to others. Jesus said, “So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift” (Matthew 5:23-24). We desire to have confidence before God, like Paul with a clear conscience (Romans 9:1, 2 Corinthians 1:12). The Holy Spirit will lead us into righteousness (John 16:8, 10), but it is our responsibility to listen and obey.
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