1 John 5:14 NIV
This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.
In the preceding verses, St.John is discussing the assurance of eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ. He emphasizes the significance of having confidence in approaching God in prayer. The key condition for effective prayer highlighted in this verse is praying according to God's will.
Confidence in Approaching God: The verse begins by emphasizing the confidence we can have when approaching God. This confidence is rooted in the relationship established through faith in Jesus Christ. We can approach God with assurance, knowing that we have access to Him as our heavenly Father.
Asking According to His Will: The condition for effective prayer is praying according to God's will. This aligns with the broader biblical teaching on prayer. Jesus, in His model prayer (often called the Lord's Prayer), also emphasized the importance of aligning our desires with God's will (Matthew 6:10). This implies that our requests should not be self-centered but rather in harmony with God's purposes and plans.
He Hears Us: The promise here is that when we pray according to God's will, He hears us. This assurance is vital for us. It signifies that our prayers do not fall on deaf ears; rather, they are heard by the Almighty God who cares for His children.
We Have What We Asked of Him: The concluding statement expresses the confidence that if God hears our prayers made in accordance with His will, we can be assured that our requests will be granted. This does not mean that every request will be answered exactly as we desire, but it implies that God, in His wisdom and love, will respond in a way that aligns with His perfect will and our ultimate good.
Relevance to us Today:
1 John 5:14 is relevant for us today in several ways:
Confidence in Prayer: It encourages us to approach God with confidence in prayer, knowing that we have a personal relationship with Him through Jesus Christ.
Guidance in Prayer: It provides guidance on effective prayer by emphasizing the importance of aligning our requests with God's will. This encourages a humble and submissive attitude in prayer.
Assurance of God's Hearing: We can find comfort in the assurance that God hears our prayers. This fosters a sense of intimacy and connection with the Creator.
Trust in God's Wisdom: The verse teaches us to trust in God's wisdom, acknowledging that His answers to prayer may not always align with our immediate desires, but they are in accordance with His perfect will.
1 John 5:14 encourages us to approach God confidently in prayer, with a focus on aligning our requests with God's will, trusting that He hears and responds in a way that reflects His wisdom and love.
