1 John 3:21 - Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible

But for their not condemning us, though the expression be merely negative, it must imply somewhat positive; for there are many whose hearts condemn them not, through ignorance of their rule, or oscitancy, self-indulgence, or neglect of themselves. But if after thorough search, with sincerity in the sight of God, our hearts do not condemn, but acquit us, as upright towards him, not willing to allow ourselves in any ill temper or practice, (such as, for instance, this of not loving, or neglecting, our brother), then we have confidence (liberty of speech the word literally signifies, which well suits with what follows) toward God; we have nothing to hinder or lie as a bar against us in our recourse to him.