The Little Letters - Day 29

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 Some of the traveling teachers recently returned and made me very happy by telling me about your faithfulness and that you are living according to the truth. 4 I could have no greater joy than to hear that my children are following the truth.
This letter is written in a pretty common format: Introduction, body, conclusion. But it is actually a very personal letter written to Gaius, and telling him not to fall into the same traps that Diotrephes had fallen into.
 
He begins by relating to Gaius the truth that he is hearing about his friend staying true and living in the truth of what he had been taught. The Elder lets Gaius know that he loves it when his spiritual children are listening and adhering to his teaching. And as someone who was a youth pastor for quite a while, I know how the author feels. 
There is nothing better than seeing a student you used to have, or a young person who was in your youth group really understand what you were trying to teach them, and watch them put it into practice in their lives. It is a joy that I wish everyone could know. It doesn’t have to be your own kids, although that is particularly sweet. It can be anyone who you spent time with to share the gospel.

When a young person’s eyes light up with the understanding that Jesus loves them, died for them, and now lives for them in love again. When they finally understand what that really means, when they can incorporate that idea into how they live their lives and how they think about themselves. It is a huge moment in their lives, and it is how the gospel is shared; person-to-person.
 
Have you ever had that opportunity? Have you ever sat with your kids and talked about why you believe what you do? I’m not talking about a formal presentation, but just a simple “hey, do you know why I believe all this stuff?” I suggest that you do it over pancakes, or a burger. Just a moment in time where your kids can hear that your belief comes from somewhere, not just habit. As well, it shows them that your commitment is not something that was assumed, but something that was a response to your understanding of the love that God has for you.

The faith of our young people is not guaranteed, not at all. We have to thoughtfully, with a winsome way, speak of the love that we have experienced, we have to be truthful, and we have to allow for a lot of questions and doubt on their part. But we also have to with them on this journey. We cannot force it, but we can share our hopes and desires that they meet the same Jesus that we have met.
 

1. Have you shared your love with them? 
2. Do they know why you believe? 
3. Can you do it and not be weird? (Only half-joking on this question!)