Verse of the Day 11/2

3 John 1:4 English Standard Version (ESV) ⁴I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.

 

Today's verse comes from today's New Testament reading.  The first picture I got when I read these verses was that of my own children being baptized.   It was an affirmation that God had chosen them and as a parent, it is a great feeling to know that your child or children have given public testimony that they are followers of Christ and knowing that He will be with them along the road of life as they face various trials, heartaches and joys in their life.

 

The verse goes beyond our own children.  John here is speaking of "spiritual children".  John MacArthur writes that the word "my" here is emphatic, and that his heart is delighted to see his spiritual children walking in truth, with integrity, with no dichotomy between confessing and living.  They are who they say they are.

 

If you work in any kind of children's ministry, I believe that you can identify with Paul here.  It brings great joy when you see some of the kids you've worked with in AWANA Clubs, Sunday School, link groups or other ministry walking in truth, walking by faith.  It brings joy to see them posting a verse on facebook to share with "their" world.  It brings joy to see them serving in a pack-a-thon or helping out at a homeless shelter or contributing to a work day at church.

 

I'm challenging myself here as much as anyone, if you see one of "your children" walking in the truth, praise God for them, let them know that you appreciate them and are grateful for them.  "send them on their journey in a manner worthy of God. ⁷For they have gone out for the sake of the name," v,6-7 ESV

 

In Christ,
Mike

 

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Eph 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace  NIV
Through the Bible 2 Samuel 21-22, 3 John

 

3 John 1:3-8 English Standard Version (ESV)

³For I rejoiced greatly when the brothers came and testified to your truth, as indeed you are walking in the truth. ⁴I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.

Support and Opposition

 ⁵Beloved, it is a faithful thing you do in all your efforts for these brothers, strangers as they are, ⁶who testified to your love before the church. You will do well to send them on their journey in a manner worthy of God. ⁷For they have gone out for the sake of the name, accepting nothing from the Gentiles. ⁸Therefore we ought to support people like these, that we may be fellow workers for the truth.