Scripture

Our verse for today comes from 3 John 3, “It gave me great joy to have some brothers come and tell about your faithfulness to the truth and how you continue to walk in the truth.”

Background

“Did you get my e-mail?” I hear that question around the office from time to time. Although we send e-mails back and forth all day every day between co-workers, that little bit of doubt can still creep in as to whether an e-mail arrived successfully or not. And why is that? Why would someone wonder whether their e-mail made it to the intended person, even if they had been corresponding back and forth with them all week? Well, it usually means that the sender hasn’t gotten a response to something that is important to them. It reminds me of the story about the unemotional, non-expressive husband. His wife asked him why he didn’t tell her anymore that he loved her. And he said that he had told her he loved her when they got married. And if something ever changed, he’d let her know. That’s not exactly the formula we’re looking for to foster closeness and emotional bonding, is it? And the same principle applies in our Christian walk. We have brothers and sisters around us who bless us and mean so much to us, but do we ever express our appreciation to them in a heartfelt way? Sure, they know that the friendship is valuable, but do the words ever get expressed?

Application

John wrote his letter, full of joy about the faithfulness of his beloved Gaius. He knew that he was following Christ and His truth. But as great as the joy was to know that good news, that joy was surpassed by the fact that he was hearing about it from others. To know that things are going well is great, but to hear that same encouraging news from others is awesome. Knowing your husband loves you is great. Hearing him tell you often is awesome. Knowing that your children feel loved and valued is great. Telling them how priceless they are is awesome. Don’t settle for the assurance that the e-mail arrived ok, just like it always has in the past. Be the encouragement, the support, and the source of great joy by telling others what they mean to you. Be faithful to build up their faithfulness. Don’t just assume they already know what you feel. Go and give them a response.

Charge

As we seek Him today, take the opportunities you have to tell the people around you how important they are to you. Express your appreciation for all that they do, and for what they mean to you.

Salvation – Eternal Life in Less Than 150 Words