It’s easy to be a critic — whether the criticism is directed at the person in the mirror or the one holding it. On April 23, 1910, Theodore Roosevelt, in an address titled “A Citizen in a Republic,” spoke these profound words:
“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.”
It’s remarkable — Roosevelt gave this speech 115 years ago, yet over 1,900 years before that, the Apostle John offered a similarly powerful truth. In 1 John 3:20 (NIV), he writes:
“If our hearts condemn us, we know that God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything.”
The purpose of 1 John was to reassure believers of their faith, combat false teachings (like Gnosticism), and emphasize the importance of love, truth, and righteous living. But this particular verse touches on a deeply personal struggle — the battle with guilt and self-condemnation.
Sometimes, even when we’re doing our best to follow God, our hearts still feel heavy — whether from past mistakes or feelings of unworthiness.
John reminds us that God’s judgment is greater than our own self-judgment. He sees the truth of who we are — our intentions, struggles, and sincere desire to do what’s right, even when we fall short.
The key takeaway? God’s love and mercy are bigger than our guilt. If we’ve confessed our sins and sought to live in His truth, we can trust His forgiveness — even when our emotions try to tell us otherwise.
My brothers and sisters, “there is no effort without error and shortcoming.” This truth means we learn, grow, become resilient, and become better. As Christians, when we step into life’s many arenas — often facing criticism on behalf of Team Jesus — we shouldn’t fear the process.
Embrace it.
Because even when our hearts condemn us, God is greater than our hearts.
Pray with me:
Father God,
Thank You for being greater than my heart and my feelings. When I am weighed down by criticism, guilt, or self-doubt, remind me of Your endless love and mercy. Help me trust that You know me fully — my struggles, my intentions, and my desire to walk in Your truth. Let me find peace in knowing that Your grace covers me, even when I can’t forgive myself. Holy Spirit, strengthen my heart and lead me forward.l because there is no effort without error and shortcoming.” In Jesus name, we pray, believe, receive, and praise. Amen
4GIVEN 