SOAP stands for Scripture, Observation, Application and Prayer. Today’s journal comes from reading 3 John.

Scripture

“I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth.” –3 John 4.

Observation

There are a lot of things that could bring this aged apostle joy; his greatest joy was to hear of his children walking in the truth.

John saw his spiritual fruit as his children. New Testament Christianity developed spiritual family relationships: children, fathers, brothers, sisters, etc

These believers were “walking in the truth.” They were living what they believed and others could see it (vs. 3)

Application

I, too, am delighted when I hear of people walking in the truth, but I need to be even more so–“no GREATER joy.” I can’t say this is my GREATEST joy, but I want it to be.

Prayer

Father, I thank You for my children: my actual blood off-spring, their spouses and my grandchildren. And I thank You for the spiritual children You have given me. They all bring me such joy.

Might each one truly walk in the truth with all sincerity and faithfulness. Use me as an instrument in Your hands to help them live in the truth. Might their walking in truth be my highest goal and aspiration for each of them.

In Jesus’ Name, I pray. Amen.