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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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 !