Friday
Read: 3 John 9–15
SOAP: 3 John 11
Dear friend, do not imitate what is bad but what is good. The one who does good is of God; the one who does what is bad has not seen God.
John’s admonition seems pretty straightforward: don’t follow those who do evil; do what is good; follow those who love truth and goodness. We find this same instruction in Psalm 1. We all face temptation to do wrong. Sometimes we fail and make wrong choices, other times we stay strong and do what is right. The battle between good and evil is strong, even within our own hearts.
John explained even more clearly that those who do good are from God and those who do evil are not. He didn’t hold any punches. It’s not that doing something wrong means that we are not a Christian, but continually pursuing evil is not a sign of a changed heart. The changed heart pursues what is good because it knows that that is pleasing to God.
Lord, I admit that sometimes it is hard to do what is right, especially if others don’t think it is a big deal. Help me to love Your ways so much that I love doing what is right. I praise and thank you for continually forgiving me when I fail. I am in awe of Your grace. Amen.