There is only room for one judge in your life. There’s only one empire calling the strikes behind home plate. And yet, if you’re anything like me you’ve convinced yourself that this judge is still God even if the judgement stems from somewhere else. 

In 1 John 3:20, the Apostle John says “if our hearts condemn us, we know that God is greater than our hearts and he knows everything.” Before we go any further it’s important to clarify that the Bible talks about the ‘heart’ differently than our modern culture. The heart is referring to the centre of your being and your basis for making decisions, not your emotions. 

Now, sometimes this conscience of yours can helpfully deflect God’s morals and wisdom, but as we’re warned through the prophet Jeremiah, the heart is deceitful above all things. In other words, your heart isn’t fit for judgement. 

Therefore, if your heart condemns you, and you feel captive, you don’t have to be because God is your rightful judge. Your heart is limited in knowing what you’ve experienced, whereas God knows everything. There is no condemnation in Christ Jesus and He’s greater than your heart, you’re no longer hostage.