Taking the Time To Bless
Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well. It gave me great joy when some believers came and testified about your faithfulness to the truth, telling how you continue to walk in it. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth. (3 John 1:2-4)
The last of John’s short letters provides a great example for us to replicate. What a word of blessing to Gaius! Just think; an entire book in the Bible was written to encourage one man! By doing so, it urges us to be encouragers. John was telling Gaius that his relationship with him developed because of his love for Christ. Have you considered how many people are closer to you emotionally than some members of your own family? How could that be? When someone loves Christ like you love Him, and you are involved in their life as deeply as they are involved in yours, deep love and respect are developed. That’s a powerful thing!
Second, John blessed Gaius by letting him know that the word was out about his behavior and it was all good! He caught him doing something wonderful, and John wanted his friend to know what a blessing it was to him personally. Gaius was actually living out what he had been taught. Many people knew it and word eventually spread to the one who taught him to live in Christ. John was applauding him.
How about you? Is there someone in your life who you especially appreciate because they are living for Jesus? Their faithfulness and consistency over the years shine like a beacon on your dark nights. Quietly, they have served Christ, not to be noticed, but actually to serve Him with joy. Because they have served, it makes you smile even now when you think about them. Do you have that person in mind? If so, write them a letter, send an e-mail, or send a text message. Put it in print right now before you miss this moment to encourage another person whose lifestyle of love has encouraged you. John did that and so can you! Write on!
The last of John’s short letters provides a great example for us to replicate. What a word of blessing to Gaius! Just think; an entire book in the Bible was written to encourage one man! By doing so, it urges us to be encouragers. John was telling Gaius that his relationship with him developed because of his love for Christ. Have you considered how many people are closer to you emotionally than some members of your own family? How could that be? When someone loves Christ like you love Him, and you are involved in their life as deeply as they are involved in yours, deep love and respect are developed. That’s a powerful thing!
Second, John blessed Gaius by letting him know that the word was out about his behavior and it was all good! He caught him doing something wonderful, and John wanted his friend to know what a blessing it was to him personally. Gaius was actually living out what he had been taught. Many people knew it and word eventually spread to the one who taught him to live in Christ. John was applauding him.
How about you? Is there someone in your life who you especially appreciate because they are living for Jesus? Their faithfulness and consistency over the years shine like a beacon on your dark nights. Quietly, they have served Christ, not to be noticed, but actually to serve Him with joy. Because they have served, it makes you smile even now when you think about them. Do you have that person in mind? If so, write them a letter, send an e-mail, or send a text message. Put it in print right now before you miss this moment to encourage another person whose lifestyle of love has encouraged you. John did that and so can you! Write on!
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Finding Godly MentorsYes and No in ScriptureFocus Like an ArcherSeeking the Presence of GodA Defining EncounterOnly by GraceOvercoming ExhaustionExcited and Expectant over PrayerThe Five Parts of PrayerThe Still Small VoiceThe Lord’s Amazing PowerHandling PersecutionDiving into God’s WordReceiving EncouragementA Desire To ServeGiving and ServingA Thrill RideThe Sweet Voice of GodGet off the BenchOut of AlignmentFrustration Is InevitableListening Instead of TalkingWatch God MoveWalking in the LightKnown by Your FruitThe Good ShepherdBoldly Stand for ChristHonor the LordPraying in FaithDealing with DoubtLearning To Be Alone
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We Need One AnotherAlign with ChristA Heavenly PerspectiveAre You Robbing God?Coming HomeOur Need for CommunityShow up for OthersEncouraging One AnotherBe a Light to OthersProtecting Your MarriageTrusting Your SpouseBlaming OthersFacing the TruthWho Are You Serving?Politics and FaithSecond ChancesLay Down Your LifeReturning to the LordBe Sensitive to Your WitnessDefeating AnxietySuit up for BattleDon’t Stay on the SidelinesGive unto the LordUnconditional GenerosityPower in Jesus’ NameA Faithful and Helpful FriendHelp Bear Their BurdensYour Testimony and God’s Word
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Witness with Your WordsActions and WordsPraying in God’s WillA Call to God’s ChurchA Personal AnswerA Public AnswerHave You Met Christ?Focus on the GiverSalvation Is SimpleCounterfeit TeachingBe Ready for the End Full of the Holy SpiritDo Not Quench the Holy SpiritImmeasurably MoreLiving in DenialTaking the Time To BlessPraying for UnbelieversA Word of BlessingDefeating DepressionTake Care of Your BodThe End Is NearStand on the Word of GodBe Responsible for Your ChildrenJesus Is Standing with You The Promise of the Holy SpiritPowerful Prayers and a BurdenPowerful Prayers and ConfidenceGod Draws Us to HimselfFind Rest in the LordDealing with ProblemsHandling Stress
2 Comments
Back around 1995,my favorite friend and I were out having a coke. We were in the single group at the time. Most of the others were yuppies and needed to be more accepting of others. My friend told me that we needed to show them how to love others into the group. She shows God's love even to strangers
Thank You Father, I Love YOU !