3 John 13-15
I was having much to write to you, but I do not desire to
write to you through ink and reed. And I
hope to see you immediately, and we will talk face to face. Peace to you.
The friends greet you. Greet the
friends according to their name.
Thoughts for Today
First Thought:
John tells us that he has much to say to Gaius, but he doesn’t
want to say it in ink. John knows a very
subtle truth. Spiritual discussion is
much easier to have in person where it can benefit from intonation, body
language, speed of discourse, and the natural give and take between participants. John could spend hours writing something that
could be discussed properly in minutes.
So John tells Gaius that he has more to say but that it can wait until
they are face to face. We should learn
this lesson. As important as writing can
be, most spiritual conversation is done best in person. Even as I write these blogs I am aware of
this truth.
How do you use written truth? How do you use spoken truth in
conversation? Which is more accessible
to you? Why?
Second Thought:
John then tells Gaius that he hopes to see him
immediately. John is telling Gaius that
he is a priority in his life. John does
not want Gaius to feel that he is being pushed away by only receiving a short
letter. John desires Gaius to feel
important enough for John to come to him and talk face to face. It is important that we let the spiritual
people around us feel important in our lives.
Whom do you make important?
In whose lives do you feel important?
How do you know?
Third Thought:
Finally, John ends with a greeting. The people around John think fondly of
Gaius. John wants Gaius to tell the
people around him that John thinks fondly of them. In some ways this is a platitude. But in other ways it is reassurance. John wants the people to be affirmed that
they have his blessing. John wants to
affirm with them where they stand with him.
When is affirmation helpful?
When are platitudes still beneficial?
Are you quick to gloss over platitudes or do you think of them as affirmation
of what you believe to be true in relationship?
Passage for Tomorrow: Matthew 1:1-17
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