Caught Doin’ Good
Well, bless your heart, friend! It’s mighty good to have you comin’ by here today. Why don’t you just come right on up here to this ol’ front porch and settle yourself into a chair that’s held the weight OF more conversations than a wise ol’ Shetland pony grazin’ over there beside the creek plum pretendin’ it’s done seen everything and just ain’t impressed at all. Some truths just land better when we talk ‘em out where the breeze smells like sweet hay and the porch boards creak like they’re sho’-nuff’ tryin’ to join in on the conversation. Third John 1:2-4 says, “Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.” That there ain’t just a greetin’. That’s a real blessin’ with boots on.
John wrote an entire book of the Bible to encourage one man named Gaius. Imagine that. One man’s faithfulness mattered so much that Heaven saw plum fit to preserve his story forever. John told Gaius that their closeness came from their shared love for Christ. Sometimes the people who walk closest with us ain’t the ones who share our last name. They’re plum the ones who share our Savior. Proverbs 27:17 adds depth to this truth sayin, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” When two believers walk together, something’ mighty strong and beautiful forms between ‘em.
John also blessed Gaius by lettin’ him know that word had gotten out about his faithfulness. Folks had seen him living out what he’d been taught. His consistency shone brightly like a lantern on a real foggy night. John wasn’t flatterin’ him. He was applaudin’ him for the quiet, steady obedience that had been an encouragement to many other folks.
Friend, think about someone in your life who’s lived for Jesus with that same real steady glow. Maybe they never preached a sermon. Maybe they never led a committee. Maybe they never strutted around like an ol’ rooster that thinks it invented the daylight with its crowin’ abilities. But their faithfulness has really strengthened you. Their kindness has plum steadied you. Their walk with Christ has sho’-nuff’ encouraged you more than they know.
If someone comes to mind, do what John did. Write ‘em a lil’ ol’ note. Send ‘em a lil’ message. Put your gratitude in print before the moment slips away. Encouragement ain’t complicated. It’s simply love spoken out loud.
Father, thank You for the people who sharpen us, steady us, and encourage us by their faithful walk with Christ. Help us notice their quiet obedience and speak blessing over them. Teach us to walk in truth, live with consistency, and bring joy to those who watch our lives. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
What do you think of that, friend? Don’t be underestimatin’ the real power of a simple word of encouragement. It can lift a weary heart like a cool breeze lifts the wings of a tired lil’ ol’ sparrow. It can brighten a dark day like sunlight slippin’ through a row of cottonwood trees. It can steady a soul the way a strong fence steadies a wanderin’ lil’ ol’ calf. And long after the porch lights go out and the critters git plum settled down, your encouragement may still be echoin’ sweetly down deep in someone’s heart. Write on, friend. Your words sho’-nuff’ really do matter.
With joy,
Gwen
