3 John 2 Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul.
“Is it well with your soul?” A former acquaintance used to ask that probing question on occasion. There’s probably not a more significant question we could ask someone. Because if it’s not well with our soul, all other parts of our life, at best, express only temporarily wellness.
I think many of our physical, and emotional setbacks stem from spiritual unwellness. We look for answers and cures, but keep coming up empty. We fail to see how our soul’s well-being can affect every aspect of life.
So what does it look like for all to be well with our soul? The book of 3rd John gives us some indicators.
John commends the church for walking in the truth. In fact, he has “no greater joy” than to know these faithful followers remain steadfast in holding on to what is true. Truth then, as now, faced assaults both from inside and outside the church. He calls all believers to protect it.
Nothing will make our soul sicker than polluting the truth with compromise. George Orwell once said, “In an age of deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act.” John Stonestreet observes we are now living in such an atmosphere where “the very idea of truth has been abandoned.” So Christians must stand firm. No matter how attractive the lies are packaged.
The second area John affirms in the church is their love and hospitality. They were quick to welcome strangers in their midst and support them, for “the sake of the name.” They practiced getting outside of themselves in order to help others. The same remains true for us. A soul that doesn’t have time for others’ needs because of its own pleasures and pains is far from well.
So how about some soul assessment. Are you walking in truth? Are you willing to defend the truth no matter the cost? And serving in love. Are you looking out for others’ needs? Willing to drop your agenda for theirs when love calls? Even when inconvenient.
Friend, is it well with your soul?