1 John 3:18-22

18 My dear children, let's not just talk about love; let's practice real love.

19 This is the only way we'll know we're living truly, living in God's reality.

20 It's also the way to shut down debilitating self-criticism, even when there is something to it. For God is greater than our worried hearts and knows more about us than we do ourselves.

21 And friends, once that's taken care of and we're no longer accusing or condemning ourselves, we're bold and free before God!

22 We're able to stretch our hands out and receive what we asked for because we're doing what he said, doing what pleases him.