The Joy of Truth: Living in the Light
In 3 John 1:4, the apostle John says, "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.”
This verse expresses the heart of every spiritual parent and godly leader—a joy not rooted in material success or worldly acclaim, but in the faithfulness and spiritual integrity of those they’ve discipled.
"Walking according to the truth" not only means accepting pure doctrine, but also means living out the truth of God every day in fear of God, love God, abide by Jesus' commands, obey God, and have faith in God.
Jesus declared in John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” Therefore, to walk in truth is to walk in Christ Himself. It is to live in alignment with Jesus' teachings, to follow Jesus' example, and to remain in Jesus' Word.
In John 8:31–32, Jesus said, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
Those who walk in truth also walk in the Spirit. As Galatians 5:16 teaches, “Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.”
The truth and the Spirit work together to produce a life that pleases God (Romans 8:4). Those who do not walk in truth, no matter what they profess, live in deception (1 John 1:6).
God seeks those who will worship Him “in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24), and it is those who love God with all their heart and soul, keep the commands of Jesus, and do the will of God who truly understand and abide in truth.
Therefore, 3 John 1:4 is not merely a declaration of joy, but a holy aspiration—for believers to live in full obedience to the truth of Christ, bringing joy to spiritual leaders and glory to God.
As Psalm 119:1 says, “Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord.” Walking in truth is the highest expression of faithful, loving discipleship.
