Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
August 26, 2023: SOAP #5014: Jeremiah 50-51; 3John

SCRIPTURE:  3John (NIV) 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. 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, even though they are strangers to you. 6 They have told the church about your love. You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God.

OBSERVATION:  Some visitors came to John’s area and they gave a report to John about John’s friend Gaius who was special to John.  John had probably been instrumental in bringing him to Jesus.  He was dear to John, so much so, that when John heard the good report he sat down and wrote this short note. 

I am sure John’s letter became a prize possession of Gaius.  It would not surprise me to discover that he kept this letter in a special place.  He probably read it many times, especially when going through some struggles. 

APPLICATION:  Two good points can be made from this short book.  First, it is good to pass along good news.  May I be known as a person that carries good news about others.  When a student on my bus goes out of their way to do something kind for another, may I take note and report it to parents, teachers, administrators, whoever I know that cares about that student. 

Second, when I am given a good report about a good friend, may I respond like John by writing and sending a short note or letter, or an email, or a short phone call.  John’s letter was only 13 verses long.  But what encouragement it must have been to Gaius!  Someone noticed what he did.  Someone had cared enough to mention it to John. 

PRAYER:  Holy Spirit, use me to speak good about others.  Use me to send short thoughtful and encouraging messages.   Amen

Pastor Leon
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