One Final Look at 3 John

“I have much more to say to you, but I don’t want to write it with pen and ink. For I hope to see you soon, and then we will talk face to face. Peace be with you. Your friends here send you their greetings. Please give my personal greetings to each of our friends there.” - 3 John 13-15 New Living Translation 

            Let’s face it, there are times when it’s easier to tell someone something face to face than write all you want to say in a letter. If it is a delicate topic many prefer to write it so they can think long and hard regarding how the matter should be said. With John, he prefers the face-to-face approach so as to allow his vocal inflection and points of emphasis be known. Writing a letter can seem like a detached, uninvolved way of handling matters. It depends on the individuals and the information being disseminated.

            John wishes that the recipients of his letter be at peace in their hearts. It’s the genuine and lasting peace that only comes from Almighty God. It’s a peace that needs to permeate ones heart, soul and mind. The Holy Spirit administers such peace wherever God wills it to be administered. Peace is a wonderful attribute to exhibit. Peace of mind, peace of heart … we are at peace with ourselves and at peace with others. Just saying we are at peace without experiencing it is just fooling ourselves, because you can’t fake being at peace. It’s when we make our focus the Lord and not that which threatens to knock us off kilter that we begin to feel the peace that passes all earthly understanding.  

            This concludes our look at John’s 3 Epistles or letters to various brethren. If you enjoyed this series of postings please email me at rkeller03211955@gmail.com and let me know. If you have a suggestion for a book of the bible you would like to see covered in my devotionals let me know that as well. I would love to hear from you regarding what, if any, impact these writings are having on your life. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing! rlkeller

Resource: The Life Application Study Bible.