Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary 1 John 3:21

"Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, we have boldness toward God;" — 1 John 3:21 (ASV)

Christians are called to fellowship with God (1:3; 2:24). But if they are guiltridden and conscience-stricken, rather than seeking that fellowship or enjoying it, they will flee the presence of God and will not dare seek answers to prayer that he alone can provide. On the other hand, those who have his peace in their hearts will have “confidence” (GK 4244) not only at his appearing but in the ordinary here-and-now relationship to the Father.