1 John 5:14 — “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.”
Extended Explanation
This verse speaks about confidence in prayer. John is telling believers that they can come to God without fear, hesitation, or doubt. Why? Because God listens when His children pray.
But John also gives an important condition: God hears us when we ask according to His will.
That doesn’t mean God will always give us exactly what we want or when we want it. It means that when we pray in line with what God desires—what is right, good, and best—He listens and responds.
John is encouraging believers to approach God boldly, knowing He is near, loving, and ready to hear.
Historical Context
In John’s time, many people viewed the gods (in pagan religions) as distant, uninterested, or unpredictable. People often prayed in fear or without hope of being heard.
John is writing to remind believers that the true God is not like that. He is a good Father who welcomes His children to speak to Him. He wants them to pray with confidence, not fear.
At the same time, John stresses that true prayer lines up with God’s will—not selfish desires.
This was an important truth for early Christians facing hardships and uncertainty. They needed to know they could confidently come to God.
Theological Implications
This verse teaches that God is personal and accessible. He is not distant or uncaring—He listens to His people.
It also teaches that prayer is not a magic trick to get what we want. Prayer is about relationship with God and aligning our hearts with His will.
It shows that God’s will is good, and that when we seek it, we can pray boldly, knowing He hears and answers.
Literary Analysis
John’s writing here is clear and comforting.
- He uses the word confidence to show that believers can approach God without fear.
- He emphasizes the condition: “according to His will.”
John’s structure is simple but powerful: Confidence in prayer comes from trusting God’s will and knowing He hears.
This verse is written to encourage, not to discourage—it invites believers to pray boldly and trust God’s wisdom.
Cross-References
- Matthew 6:10 — “Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”
- James 4:3 — “When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives.”
- John 14:13-14 — “And I will do whatever you ask in my name.”
- Hebrews 4:16 — “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence.”
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For believers today, this verse is a clear invitation to pray boldly and often. You don’t have to be afraid to come to God. He wants to hear from you.
It also reminds us that prayer is not about getting everything we want—it’s about learning to want what God wants. When we pray according to His will, we can pray with confidence because He hears and answers.
This verse encourages Christians to trust that God knows what’s best and to shape their prayers around His good plans.
How This Verse Shows God’s Love
This verse shows God’s love because He invites His children to come to Him with confidence. He doesn’t ignore us or push us away. He welcomes us into His presence.
It also shows His love in that He wants what’s best for us. He listens when we pray according to His will because His will is always good, loving, and wise.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse is rooted in what Jesus has done.
Because of Jesus’ death and resurrection, believers have access to God.
Jesus taught His followers to pray and promised that God hears them:
- John 16:23-24 — “My Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.”
- Hebrews 10:19-20 — “We have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus.”
The ability to approach God with confidence is a gift that comes through Jesus.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Do you approach God in prayer with confidence, or do you hold back?
- How can you learn to pray according to God’s will?
- Why do you think John stresses that God hears us when we pray His will?
- How does knowing God listens to you change the way you pray?
- In what areas of your life do you need to trust God’s will more as you pray?