In 3 John 1:2 (NLT), we see a really warm and caring message that’s all about wishing someone total well-being. This verse says, “Dear friend, I hope all is well with you and that you are as healthy in body as you are strong in spirit.”Here, the Apostle John gives a warm and affectionate greeting to a person named Gaius. He’s not just saying he hopes Gaius is doing okay; he’s showing he genuinely cares about both his physical health and his spiritual strength. and it reflects John’s deep concern for Gaius’s well-being, both physically and spiritually. It’s a beautiful reminder of how God feels about us too. He wants us to be strong and healthy in every part of our lives. And all that strength, whether it’s physical or spiritual, flows from our earnest and committed relationship with Him.
God wants us to thrive in every aspect of our lives. Jesus Christ tells us this in John 10:10(NKJV): “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” This is a stunning and extremely consequential contrast between what satan does within this earth and what our precious Lord and Savior came into the earth to do. Through Jesus Christ, God has made it available for us to enjoy a more than abundant life, where we have total well-being, mentally, physically, emotionally, and most importantly, spiritually.
Spiritual well-being is a core reality. It’s the place from which mental, physical, and emotional well-being flourish. As 3John 1:2 references, when we are strong in spirit, we are deeply engaged in nurturing our souls through a deep and personal relationship with God and His Word. This spiritual strength allows us to align our lives with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, who guides our thoughts, actions, and decisions in ways that honor God and fulfill our purpose. However, there are times when we resist this divine leadership and attempt to take control ourselves. When we assume this role, our spiritual strength diminishes, and we lose the clarity and peace that come from living under the Spirit's guidance.
Growing stronger in faith and spiritual strength can be complicated by our tendency to lean into doubt, especially when we’ve faced disappointments in the past; they can cast shadows over our faith. We may question whether God is truly with us or if we are being punished for our mistakes. However, these thoughts are rooted in misunderstanding. Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT) reassures us that God has plans to prosper us, not to harm us: “For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” This truth hits home the truth of God’s desire for us to be spiritually strong and to experience success and fulfillment in our lives.
Romans 8:28 (NLT) provides a powerful reminder of God's thorough plan for our lives: “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” This verse reassures us that, even during challenges and doubts, God is orchestrating all things for our benefit and His divine purpose. When things go wrong, and it feels like we can’t catch a break, this is the time to really pour on the confidence in our loving, all-powerful Creator. By trusting in His love for us, we can find comfort and strength, knowing that every experience provides knowledge and lessons that can align us with His plan.
As we lean on His promises and rely on His wisdom, we open ourselves up to the spiritual strength and peace that He offers. Romans 15:13 (NLT) reminds us, “I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him.” By placing our full confidence in God, we not only overcome doubt but also experience His supernatural power through the Holy Spirit who indwells us. With patience and faithfulness, we will navigate life’s ups and downs, assured that God supports our spiritual well-being, and He will continually uplift us with His unwavering love and guidance. ■
Holy Bible, New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
“Strong in Spirit”, written by Vince Mack. Blessing Beads and More© 2024. All rights reserved. All praise and honor to God through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.
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