The Family of God - Daily Devotional May 28, 2010

Daily Bible Reading - Deuteronomy 1, Psalm 81-82, Isaiah 29, 3 John 1

The Family of God

3 John 1:1-2, 4 says "The elder to the beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth. Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you...(4)I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth." Beloved is said four times in this short (the shortest book of the Greek New Testament) book written by John. Beloved is a term of endearment and personal warmth. Then in verse 4 we see John refer to his children.

How does this relate to you and I? This is the church, this is how you and I are to relate to other Christ followers we are in relationship with. John was not related to Gaius, yet as an elder with influence he sees Gaius and others as his children, beloved and dear to him. Just as it is joyful for a parent to see their children walking in the manner in which they were taught it also brings joy to John to see Gaius, and others he has influenced for Christ, walking in the truth.

The other Christ followers with John and there with Gaius are referred to as friends. This is true community, this is the family of God. We are called to community with other Christ followers. In Acts 4:32-35 we see the church in full swing. The people were of "one heart and soul" and had "everything in common". The people cared for one another and made sure there were no needs among them.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 shows us the importance of being in relationship. If we are isolated and alone there is no one to pick us up when we fall. Are you in community today? Do you have a family of believers that are there for you to love you, care for you, pick you up when you are down and to challenge you to live the truth? If not get into the family today.

Tomorrow's Bible Reading - Deuteronomy 2, Psalm 83-84, Isaiah 30, Jude 1

Dream Big,
Katie