My Dear Friend

ByJim Stephens

Reading: Jeremiah 50-51; 3 John

1 This letter is from John, the elder. I am writing to Gaius, my dear friend, whom I love in the truth. 2 Dear friend, I hope all is well with you and that you are as healthy in body as you are strong in spirit. (3 John 1-2 NLT) James and Paul and Peter and John – letter writers of the New Testament – wrote real letters to real people. They wrote to churches, groups of churches in specific cities and regions, to cultural groups of believers, and they even wrote personal letters to individuals. The personal nature of this little letter to a specific individual helps me to remember that the Bible is not only God’s Word, it’s God’s Word to Me! John wrote this letter from Ephesus to his friend Gaius in another church in another city. John and Gaius were good friends, but John wrote this letter to his good friend to do more than merely maintain social contact. He wrote to express his love to his friend, to encourage him, to tell him he was doing a good work for God, and to challenge him to remain faithful to what is right! In fact, this little letter from John to his friend Gaius was so inspired by the Holy Spirit it became part of our Bible. Amazing! Here’s what friends think and feel and say to each other (and pray for each other):
• I pray for good fortune in everything you do.
• I pray for your continued good health.
• I pray that your everyday affairs prosper.
• I pray that your soul will also prosper.
• You’re doing a good work, my friend! Keep it up!
• Don’t be discouraged or influenced by those who do wrong and seem to get away with it! Stay faithful and steady.
• I miss you, my friend! Give my love to Friends and Family there.
• Grace and Peace to you now and always! Prayer:

Father, I want to be a good friend. I want to be a blessing and an encouragement to many people. I want to be a friend to as many as I have the capacity to truly befriend. I know some men I should be a “My Dear Friend” kind of friend to. I know of several others I should be a “Good Friend” kind of friend to. Please help me be a better friend. Amen.

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