When we walk with the Lord, we are constantly seeking ways to emulate and imitate him. It is a freeing and joyful thing to know your performance does not affect your salvation. It is, however, critical to remember as God’s kids that our behavior and actions speak volumes about who we are and who we serve. John spent an entire letter to praise his friend for his representation of God in his life. In addition, he encouraged him to continue to cultivate the attitude of service and community that he lived.
In our lives, we are often tempted to withdraw, withhold and simply walk away from serving others. It is messy, risky and often completely thankless. But, when we die to ourselves and pour our lives into others, they do not see us–they see the Father who loved us and gave himself for us. We derive great joy in simply seeing him glorified. We can never give up. We can never withdraw and we can never forget that the one who died for us is God himself—who considered us a treasure and gladly did what was necessary to restore us to his family.
Help me Lord to serve with humility and joy.
God Bless You
2 Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well. 3 It gave me great joy when some believers came and testified about your faithfulness to the truth, telling how you continue to walk in it. 4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.
5 Dear friend, you are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers and sisters,[a] even though they are strangers to you. 6 They have told the church about your love. Please send them on their way in a manner that honors God. 7 It was for the sake of the Name that they went out, receiving no help from the pagans. 8 We ought therefore to show hospitality to such people so that we may work together for the truth…11 Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God.