WIN-WIN
SCRIPTURE: 3 John 4 (ESV)
4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.
Complete side note and fun fact: depending on how you do the math, 3 John is the shortest book of the Bible. It has the fewest words, even though 2 John has the fewest verses. Now you’re ready for a Bible trivia win!
If you’re a parent or grandparent, it’s pretty easy for us to relate to this verse. There’s nothing like seeing our kids or grandkids living on the right track. Even if you’re not a parent, we’ve all had a parent and can relate to some degree with the desire to please our parents. And to be fair, we’ve had varying degrees of success on both ends.
It seems kind to me that John wrote this letter (3 John) to a friend named Gaius to let him know that he had heard good things about him. Gaius was doing what he had been taught and living in a way that pleased God. That had to feel good to get that letter. I also think it felt good to John to write the letter.
This actually encourages me in two ways. One, it encourages me to continue living in a way that pleases God. I so want the way I live to bring a smile to God’s face. Even when I mess up, I want to quickly own it, ask for forgiveness, and get back on track. Secondly, it encourages me to notice those around me, especially those younger than me, who are following the truth. It makes me want to tell my kids that they’re doing a good job adulting and loving their spouses. Or tell my grandkids that I’m proud of them for being kind and doing things that are hard. Or tell the neighbors that I’m thankful for them. Saying it and hearing it brings joy. Both ways are a win-win! So, just in case no one has said it to you lately – it brings me great joy to hear that you are reading and/or listening to God’s Word and putting it into practice. Well done and keep up the good practice!
PRAYER
Father, thank You for the people You’ve put in our lives to encourage us. And thank You for the opportunity and privilege to encourage those around us. Please help me to be an encourager to someone today.