The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

3 John 1:1-3, “The elder to the beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth.

2 Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers.

3 For I was very glad when brethren came and bore witness to your truth, that is, how you are walking in truth.”

True spiritual love is always appropriate among believers. Here the elder expresses his true love for Gaius,

a leader in the local church. Love has been so maligned in today’s culture, that one has to be careful where and

with whom he uses the term. Love in this passage is ??????, true, Christian love. And it is this true, Christian

love that must exists before prayer becomes effective. It is this true, Christian love that softens the soul against

adversity and enables it to prosper. It is the prosperity of the soul that brings about good health.

When I was in college, one of my professors set us on a testing quest against a particular student. One by one,

we approached him, asking “How are you feeling today?” and “You don’t look too good. Have you considered

contacting the school nurse?” As the day moved onward, that student moved “downward.” He was bordering

on psychological sickness. After a time, other students reversed the process, and by the end of the day, he was

in “roaring good health!” Yes, the prosperity of the soul – the self – produces good health.

And it’s when Christian brothers and sisters are living in God’s truth and sharing witness to biblical truth, that

even those caught up in ungodly thoughts and activities are nudged effectively toward the true love of Jesus

Christ. All of this is to say you have no idea how effective a witness you could become! It all starts with daily

exposure to the Word of God, the Bible! Prayer leads to biblical understanding that itself produces spiritual

growth and spiritual health. Love then becomes the Sword you yield as you speak to others about Jesus.

You have no idea…!!! As the Aussies’ would say, “Give it a go, mate!” You’ll discover what it means to rejoice!

Heartily in Christ Jesus,

(Dado III)

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

Springdale, Arkansas 72764

United States of America

“We never know that God is all we need

until He becomes all that we have.”