No greater joy

"I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth." - 3 John v. 4

​John labored for the church. He suffered tremendously for the church, for the gospel's sake, and for the name of Jesus. In fact, he also knew that those whom he called his children were called to similar suffering. He also knew that not all who  take up the name Christian or disciple will remain steadfast to the end. Certainly he had witnessed his fair share of believers swept off the map by one thing or the other. I'm sure that for him to hear of the perseverance of the saints, his spiritual children, made his heart swell. The same is true today. The casualty list is long but our hearts are encouraged by those who still remain. May our Lord keep us and may we remain as an encouragement to others through our perseverance.