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Devotional - 16th Aug 2021

 'Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God' ( 3 John 11).

It always seems  easier to follow that which is evil, than that which is good; because we are sinners and as sinners our nature is to sin. The Bible tells us that the heart is deceitful and desperately wicked: who can know it? (Jeremiah 17:9). Therefore, it is only Jesus in our lives that can help us to do that which is good. John was saying that he who does good is of God, but if one seeks to do evil, is of the Devil and has not seen God - have a personal relationship with him. We see in this chapter where John was offering encouragement to his trusted brother in the faith, Gaius who walked in spirit and in truth. We too are encouraged to walk in sincerity and truth as we allow ourselves to be led by  the Holy Spirit. When we know God and allow him to work in our lives, we will learn to be gracious, kind and tender- hearted towards each other; setting good example for others to follow. It is our love for God that will spur us to action, in following Jesus and to call others to come to Christ. John further warned Gaius about people like Diotrephes who seek preeminence within the church and refuse to receive them, but tried to discredit and make malicious gossip about them. He told Gaius not to follow that which was evil, but that which was good. We too will find people like Diotrephes within the church, but must seek to follow after Christ who is good. We were given free will by God and have the choice to choose right from wrong, good or evil as we follow Jesus. We too are encouraged as believers, not to imitate what is evil, but imitate that which was good. Let us be careful of those who displayed a spirit of control and have no personal relationship with God. Let us look to Jesus who has the power to allow us to do good. As children of God, we need to be like our heavenly Father in thought, word and deed. God is good and the only one deserving to be good. But if we trust in Him and align our will to his, He will make us good, for his glory.

Have a wonderful day

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