Knowing The Word in 3 John 13-15, Closing

13 I had much to write to you, but I would rather not write with pen and ink. 14 I hope to see you soon, and we will talk face to face. 15 Peace be to you. The friends greet you. Greet the friends, each by name.

Q: Why meet face to face?

A: As in 2 John, the author has much to write but prefers to meet in person. He would be someone today who would hesitate to write emails much less tweet his thoughts! Christianity is chiefly about relationships: between God and people, people and people, and peoples and peoples. It is not only about correct theology and doctrine, as important as they are, but about friendship. Jesus said, “You are my friends if you do as I command.” Friendship entails correcting bad theology and doctrine and behavior face to face.

Q: Why do we find correcting others so hard to?

A: Jesus had no problem in correcting Peter on one occasion when he did not understand the cross. He said to him, “Get behind me Satan.” Most people are open to correction when they know the person offering the correction loves them. Perhaps that is why John concentrates so much on love in his three letters.

Prayer: O Lord Jesus, who camest down from heaven to redeem us from all iniquity, we beseech thee to write thy word in our hearts that we may know thee, and the power of thy resurrection, and express it in turning from our iniquities. Rule in our hearts by faith, that being dead unto sin and living unto righteousness, we may have our fruit unto holiness and grow in grace and in the practical knowledge of thee.

Henry Hammond, 1605-1660