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Did you ever get someone else’s mail and open it by mistake? When you realized that the letter didn’t belong to you, how did you feel? Ashamed? Embarrassed?
We want to respect the privacy of people because we’d like them to treat us the same way. That’s the golden rule.
“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” – Matthew 7:12
But sometimes God reveals our personal information with others. I’ve been in situations where a person praying for me covered exactly what I was facing, even though I hadn’t disclosed any details.
I’ve also been on the other side, where I had to pray for a line of people, one at a time. I didn’t know what each individual needed and I didn’t have time to ask; the line was too long. So I just trusted that the Lord would speak through me as I prayed, and based on their reactions, I’d say that He did.
We used to refer to this as “reading your mail.” It was like skimming through private correspondence but without the guilt!
Many of what we call “books” of the Bible are actually letters. Addressed to churches or individuals, they deal with the spiritual and social circumstances of the original recipients.
But do they apply to us?
When Paul composed his letter to the Romans, he had in mind the Christians in Rome, not us. Yet because Romans is part of the Bible, it’s God’s Word to all believers, so it’s meant for us, too.
What about specific verses? I have in mind a greeting contained in a small epistle in the New Testament.
“Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers.” – 3 John 2 (NASB)
I’ve heard preachers dismiss this verse because it’s a greeting. True, that’s the form it takes, but why would that require us to reject its content?
They must feel that because it’s a greeting, it’s only a wish; the verse expresses John’s sentiments rather than the will of God.
But is that a safe assumption?
To find out, let’s explore the verse.
“Beloved”
John the church elder valued a fellow Christian named Gaius (vs. 1). He knows that Jesus loves Gaius and died for him.
Does Jesus love you? Did Christ die for your sins? Yes, yes indeed!
“I pray”
John didn’t just love Gaius; he interceded for him. If you care about people enough to mention their names and their situations to the Lord, you care! That’s love in action!
Does God want you to pray for others? Does He inspire others to intercede for you? Yes, these describe the blessing and responsibility of the Spirit-filled life.
“That in all respects”
John neglected nothing; he strove for Gaius to enjoy favor in every way. That’s wholehearted devotion and commitment.
Do you love others like that? Does Jesus treasure you halfway or all out? Has He put people in your life who give you their all?
“You may prosper”
John was probably in his 90s when he composed this letter, so he’d seen a lot in his life. He’d witnessed successes and failures and sought for Gaius to flourish, his needs met and his desires fulfilled.
Does the Lord intend for you to succeed? Will Jesus provide for you? Does He call you to help others so they can advance?
“And be in good health”
From his years of apostolic work, John recognized the significance of health. He’d seen Jesus heal the sick and he’d participated in healing miracles himself. These experiences convinced the apostle that good health was God’s will.
Does the Lord want you healthy? Can you say a prayer for or lend a helping hand to someone battling sickness or disease?
“Just as your soul prospers”
John had brought many people to faith in Jesus. Their salvation, the redemption of their spirit, occurred the moment they trusted in Christ. But the transformation of their personalities would take a lifetime. John desired Gaius to become more like Jesus every day.
Isn’t this God’s plan for you, too? He wants you to take on the image of His Son. That’s why the Holy Spirit lives inside your heart. He’s not a spectator; He’s an agent of change.
Financial prosperity and physical health are wonderful, but in God’s kingdom, they depend on the ongoing work of the Word and the Spirit on the soul.
Does this verse apply to you? Dare to believe that it does!
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