Please read 3 John 1:1-4
To be able to find joy in another’s joy: that
is the secret of contentment. Anonymous
When we read John’s 3rd
epistle we see that John writing to his “beloved
Gaius” (3 John 1:1). John writes
of his concern for Gaius. First, he tells Gaius that he is loved and then John
shows concern for Gaius’ health. However, when we read the letter, we see that
John is truly concerned with the Spiritual health of Gaius. (Today we will focus on verses 3 John 1:3-4 and
tomorrow we will look at 3 John 1:5-8.)
In verse 1, John writes he
loves Gaius “in truth”. He is concerned and is praying for his friend’s good
fortune and good health. In verses 3 and 4, He talks about Gaius “walking in the truth.”
John learns this when some traveling brothers come to him and report on Gaius’
“faithfulness
to the truth”(NIV). So we understand that Gaius not only
believes in the Truth of the Good News of Jesus – he lives a life of Truth
showing his maturity.
That news brings ‘great
joy’ to John. This joy demonstrates John’s own spiritual maturity
– he is not jealous of Gaius’ maturity and development in the Truth.
So dear brother and
sister in Christ, this moment let us consider our own response/maturity when we
hear or see other believers’ development and maturity. Have we come to a stage
where we have joy in our heart seeing a fellow believer growing or advancing in
the faith, in the truth, and in Christ? Or do we mope that the believer is
equal or better than us in the Kingdom of God? Please think about it – remembering
that you and I will be spending eternity with that believer.
