I HAVE NO GREATER JOY

Today’s New Testament passage includes a favorite verse of mine - 3 John 1:4, “I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth.” John was referring to his spiritual children, people that he had led to the Lord and discipled. This resonates with me as I have experienced that joy when hearing or observing good reports about my own physical children and others that I have invested in.

3 John 1:4 is framed on the wall of our home. We put it there as a prayer/goal when our children were small. Thankfully, through God’s grace, we have been able to rejoice in many of our children’s choices.

In the Old Testament passages for today, Psalm 126 also deals with joy. The setting is the Israelites’ return from the decades-long Babylonian captivity. They are joyful and excited about “starting over” and rebuilding the nation in their homeland. In verses 5-6, they recognize that the process will require a lot of work and even struggle at times and that it will take a long time to accomplish their goals. The general principle here is that seeds sowed tearfully plus time results in plentiful joyful harvest.

Sowing and reaping is used as an example of discipling in other New Testament passages as well. As we raise a new child born or adopted into our families, or as we mentor new or spiritually young Christians, we should remember that there will be times of struggle, disappointment, and parental tears. Sometimes long periods of time will pass before fruit appears. But when it does –– we experience great joy.

Galatians 6:9 “Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.”