(The following is the November 27 devotional from my Next Step Devotions book. Before reading it, I suggest you read 3 John and pay close attention to verses 3-4.)

Parents enjoy watching children behave in desirable ways. There is satisfaction in seeing parental efforts in Christlike character-building bear fruit in a child’s life. Parents also know the pain of seeing children, whether young or adults, believe and act in ways contrary to how the parent raised them. Parental influence is significant, but people ultimately make their own decisions about how they live as they age and leave their parents’ homes.

When we disciple other believers in the faith, we have the same parental love and concern about how they take their faith and biblical truths to heart. We want to see them mature, living godly lives that honor Christ. We don’t expect perfection, but we’re confident they will grow in the right direction if they build their lives on the solid foundation of Christ and his Word. What greater joy can a biological, adoptive, or spiritual parent have than to see their children grow in Christ, obey his Word, and persevere in faith?

John demonstrated spiritual parenting when he commended his friend Gaius for fidelity to the truth (v. 3). John was so pleased that he said, “I have no greater joy than this: to hear that my children are walking in truth” (v. 4). John’s compassion as a spiritual father affirms and encourages Gaius to continue his faithful walk with Christ.

Parental love persists throughout life. We check in with our adult children, see how they’re doing, offer to help when we can, and encourage them regularly. This nurturing should also continue with our spiritual children, just as John did with Gaius.

Next Step:
If you have biological or adoptive children, how are you helping them walk in biblical truth? If you have helped others grow in the faith, how long has it been since you checked in on them and encouraged them?