3 John 1:3 (NIV): “It gave me great joy to have some believers come and testify to your faithfulness to the truth, telling how you continue to walk in it.”
I like receiving good news. I remember each time when Debbie shared about us expecting our children. I believe that children are a blessing from God.
I have also been excited about receiving news through others. I have found out about the promotions of Army friends that way. I had a former commander of mine who stayed a Colonel for a long time and was within months of retirement. When I found out the news of his promotion to General Officer I was truly excited. Him being a brother in Christ doubled my joy.
The joy that John is writing about in his third epistle was the result of finding out about the faithfulness of those with whom he had worked before. It is similar to the joy I have felt when I find out that Bible studies that I started at Army posts are still meeting and learning about God even a decade after my departure. You see, I know that I may have been a part of something, but it was those who were left behind that were actually following God, walking in the truth. There is nothing like that type of joy, knowing that others are growing and following God and that God had used me to be a part of someone else’s eternal destination.
Every time that I share the good news of Jesus with others the potential exists that they will come to follow Jesus on their own. Every time that I share a testimony about Jesus, God can use that to further His Kingdom. Every time I witness for God in any manner I am a part of something bigger than myself. From time to time, learning how God is moving in others, is certainly a source of great joy. I hope that we can all embrace living life to the fullest by sharing Jesus with others.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you that I am a part of Your family. When I get “family news” that others are following You, there is joy. I pray that all of Your followers can embrace sharing Jesus with others, so that joy can be multiplied.
