3 John CSB
Dear friend, I pray that you are prospering in every way and are in good health, just as your whole life is going well. For I was very glad when fellow believers came and testified to your fidelity to the truth—how you are walking in truth. I have no greater joy than this: to hear that my children are walking in truth. (2-4)
John is writing here to one of his disciples or “children” in the faith. He states a very simple truth that nothing brings greater joy than to hear that one of those you have taught is now walking in the truth. Whether it is someone I have led to Christ, or whether it is one of my own biological children that I have tried to raise to follow Christ, there is nothing that brings greater joy than when I see my “child” living out that truth. Walking in the truth implies more than just obedience. It implies that the person has “bought in” to that truth and that they are practicing it with joy, believing that this is right and good. It means that it is something that they will try to pass on to other disciples and/or their children in the days to come. It is a truth that they believe so deeply that others can also see the evidence of that truth in their daily lives. May you know the joy of seeing those you teach follow in your footsteps and go further than you have ever gone.
