1 John 3:18-22

18Little children (believers, dear ones), let us not love [merely in theory] with word or with tongue [giving lip service to compassion], but in action and in truth [in practice and in sincerity, because practical acts of love are more than words].

19By this we will know [without any doubt] that we are of the truth, and will assure our heart and quiet our conscience before Him

20whenever our heart convicts us [in guilt]; for God is greater than our heart and He knows all things [nothing is hidden from Him because we are in His hands].

21Beloved, if our heart does not convict us [of guilt], we have confidence [complete assurance and boldness] before God;

22and we receive from Him whatever we ask because we [carefully and consistently] keep His commandments and do the things that are pleasing in His sight [habitually seeking to follow His plan for us].