3 John 1:3 (KJV)
For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth.
A few observations from the passage.
John received a testimony concerning this church.
There were brethren from the church who came to him and reported. Travelers are simply a reality. We’re not going to prevent them. And “testimonies” are going to be given from those travelers. In churches, we have evangelists and missionaries who especially travel from church to church and who are prone to bring word from one church to the next. Sometimes it borders on (okay, sometimes it indeed crosses into) gossip.
John rejoiced to hear of the spiritual walk of these brethren.
We ought to rejoice to hear of the blessing of the Lord upon others. We ought to pray for those who are struggling, lift up those who are laboring, and rejoice with those who are rejoicing. News travels. Sometimes it is good for it to travel. Sometimes the intent is not as good. In either case, whether our response is good is up to us.
John had a legitimate interest in this church.
In the following verse, he calls them children. I would suggest that whether the “testimony” we hear is appropriate or not has to do with two things: our relationship to those about whom the testimony is given, and the intent of the one from whom the testimony comes.
One preacher years ago spoke of what he called the "stewardship of information". It is an area in which I think many of us fail in our stewardship.
There is the handling of information we have—whether to save it or share it.
Whether the information should be kept under our hat for the sake of others, or whether we are compelled to speak up because love compels something to be done, and then speaking to the appropriate persons and not just everyone who will listen.
And then there is the stewardship of information we receive.
Rejoicing for those who are doing well rather than becoming envious. Grieving for and praying for those who have fallen down rather than growing bitter or spiteful. Reaching out to those we might be able to help rather than withdrawing into ourselves.
#WalkingInTruth #StewardshipOfInformation #RejoiceWithOthers #TruthAndTestimony #3John13
The Stewardship of Information: When Should a Christian Speak—and When Should He Stay Silent?
Has God ever taught you a lesson about when to speak, when to stay silent, or how to handle difficult information wisely? I’d love to hear your thoughts—leave a comment below and join the conversation. And if you enjoy practical Bible teaching, encouraging articles, and Christ-centered resources, visit marvinmckenzie.org and stay connected.
Let’s keep walking in truth, wisdom, and charity.
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