3 John 1:4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.
Observation
Walking in the truth of God gives great joy to the Apostle Paul; that those he had taught about God have been faithful followers. They continue to love and serve even those who are strangers. They are hospitable and welcoming to other believers. The things that the Apostle Paul taught are being carried out and implemented in their lives. They truly are walking in the truth.
Application
I look at this verse and think of my children and grandchildren and how happy it makes me to know their are Christ followers, that they love God and love people. They are not perfect, but they love Jesus!
Sometimes it's easier to love other people I don't know rather than to have love acceptance and forgiveness towards brothers and sisters and family members who I do know who have hurt or offended me. Having come from a very large family - 7 brothers and 2 sisters, it's not hard to imagine that there might have been some discord from time to time or hurt feelings.
I can't say I love God and I love my neighbor, but I 'hate' my family, my brother or sister, or parents, or whoever . . . I might even be justified in my own mind for feeling bitter and holding a grudge. It helps me feel better; or does it? No. It doesn't.
God says to love. It's a command. Whoever claims to love God yet hates his brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brothers and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. And he has given us this command, Anyone who loves God must love their brother and sister. (1 John 4:20-21)
So how do I love the unlovely? How do I let go of the unforgiveness, the pain, the hurt and bitterness of heart?
Confess to God how I feel. Ask for His help. Let it go. Let God.
Forgiving is a process. I forgive as the Lord brings to mind family members who have hurt me. I've asked them to forgive me for the hurts I have caused them. I don't want to get stuck in my walk with God - I want to cooperate with all He wants to do in me.
LOVE God, LOVE people, and LOVE family.
Love, Love, Love.
Prayer
Father, Your word is true! You have given me a Helper, Your Holy Spirit to give me the strength, the help, and power to do the impossible! As I have been forgiven, I choose to forgive . . so I might do the one thing You require of me - to love. In Jesus Name, Amen.
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