No Greater Joy Than This (Father’s Day)

“I have no greater joy than this: to hear that my children are walking in the truth,” [1] was penned by the Apostle John who, far as we know, wasn’t married and had no biological children. He was writing this particular letter to Gaius, one of his spiritual children, commending him for his faithfulness to the truth. He then went on to comment about all his spiritual children, that he has no greater joy than hearing they are walking in the truth.

Many Christian parents through the years have quoted this verse referring to their biological or adopted children, which is fitting considering that parents do find great joy when their children follow after truth. But considering that it was originally written by a spiritual parent, it is even more fitting to claim this quote in reference to one’s spiritual children.

Today as we celebrate Father’s Day in the United States and elsewhere, I want to honor all fathers, but most of all those men who have “fathered” spiritual children, whether it is their own biological/ adopted child or someone else’s. Not only is there no greater joy than passing on one’s faith in Jesus to another, there is also no other lasting legacy.

For more encouragement and perspective, I offer these past articles to you today:

http://singleness.org/articles/handling-the-holidays-2/fathers-day-bah-humbug/

[1] 3 John 4, HCSB