THE GREAT JOY OF SPIRITUAL CHILDREN
The elder, To the beloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth: Beloved, I pray that in every way you
may prosper and enjoy good health, as your soul also prospers. For I was overjoyedG5463 when
the brothers came and testified about your devotion to the truth, in which you continue to walk. I
have no greater joyG5479 than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.
3 John 1:1-4
Some folks had come from the church where Gaius was a member and had told John that the “truth” was in him (3 John 3). That is, Gaius was learning and walking in the truth. What a tremendous report to receive about a Christian! So, John says, “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth” (4). Notice the emphasis on “truth.” The most important quality of the Christian faith is that it is true. The reference to “my children” (4) indicates that John had won Gaius to the Lord. John, the faithful pastor, was filled with joy upon receiving a good report about one of his converts. (63)
Vine’s Expository Bible Notes
Just as our biological parents are pleased when their children have integrity and bring honor to their family, the Apostle John was glad to find those whom he had taught continuing to follow his teaching and standing in the truth of Jesus Christ. Similarly, those who have led someone to the Lord or discipled—mentored—them in studying the Bible rejoice when their spiritual children are living by godly precepts. While Susan was having a procedure to install a permanent med port rather than having to have multiple attempts to start an IV during hospitalizations, I (Susie) was sitting in the waiting room with Susan’s former pastor and his wife. A nurse with whom Susan and I had shared the story of God’s work in our lives the night before the amputation surgery came in because she was showing another family where to wait. She expressed concern because she thought perhaps something had gone wrong, and I reassured her that this was just a procedure Susan had requested to have done while she was in the hospital. The nurse then proceeded to thank me profusely and tell me to thank Susan for ministering God’s word to her and other care providers while she was in their care. In fact, she said that we had started a revival on the fifth floor! She said the Lord had really used our words to convict and encourage her. I noticed Susan’s former pastor of Restoration Church beaming as he listened to this conversation. Susan’s continual ministry brought Brother Doug White, as her mentor, great joy at that moment.
Is your life bringing joy to those who have invested in your spiritual growth? If you have walked with the Lord for a long while, are you taking time to give of yourself and your experience with Him to others? If you are, then you will know the great joy of seeing them continuing in faith and standing in the truth.
Father, we rejoice when those we have encouraged in the faith continue to serve You with gladness. Thank You for allowing us to see how You have used us in others’ lives. Thank You for the privilege and joy of being discipled and discipling others.
Worship and make this declaration with Benjamin Josiah singing “I’m a Disciple of Christ”: