3 John 1:2 (NKJV) Beloved, I pray that you 
may prosper in all things and be in health, just 
as your soul prospers.  

INTRODUCTION

John was concerned for Gaius's physical and 
spiritual well-being. This was the opposite of the 
popular heresy that taught the separation of spirit 
and matter and despised the physical side of 
life. Today, many people still fall into this way 
of thinking. This non-Christian attitude 
logically leads to one of two responses: neglect of 
the body and physical health, or indulgence of 
the body's sinful desires. God is concerned for 
both your body and your soul. As a responsible 
Christian, you should neither neglect nor indulge 
yourself but care for your physical needs and 
discipline your body so that you are at your best for 
God's service. [Life Application SB] 

COMMENTARY PEARL

   There are physical benefits that accrue 
from Christian living. Sin and the sense of inner 
unworthiness impair physical and mental well-being. The 
sense of guilt and sin that natural man carries 
within himself renders him unfit for the 
performance of his duties, renders him sick in both mind 
and body. It was no accident that Jesus combined 
healing with His preaching and teaching when He was 
on earth. There is a very real relationship 
between the life of the spirit and the health of the 
body and mind. 
   Peace with God and the peace of God in a 
man's heart and the joy of fellowship with Christ 
have in themselves a beneficial effect upon the 
body and mind and will lead to the development 
and preservation of physical and mental power. 
Thus, Christ promotes the best interest of the 
body and mind as well as of the spirit, in 
addition to inward peace, the development of 
spiritual life, the joy and fellowship with Christ, 
and the new strength that comes with being born 
again. 
   Do you feel the peace of well-being that 
only comes from the Lord? [Peace for Each Day by 
Billy Graham] 

COMMENTARY

   The right use of ones self is the most 
valuable lesson that can be learned. We are not to do 
brain work, and stop there, or make physical 
exertion, and stop there; we are to make the best use 
of the various parts that compose the human 
machinery,"brain, bone, muscle, head, and heart. 
   The right use of ones self includes 
the whole circle of obligations to ones self, 
to the world, and to God. Then use the physical 
powers proportionately with the mental powers. 
Every action derives its quality from the motive 
which prompts it, and if the motives are not high, 
and pure, and unselfish, the mind and character 
will never become well balanced. 
   You are the Lords; for He created you. 
You are His by redemption; for He gave His life 
for you. Preserve every portion of the living 
machinery, that you may use it for God. Preserve it for 
Him. Your health depends upon the right use of 
your physical organism. Do not misuse any portion 
of your God-given powers, physical, mental, or 
moral. All your habits are to be brought under the 
control of a mind that is itself under the control 
of God. SD171 

CLOSING THOUGHT

The Saviour in His miracles revealed the 
power that is continually at work in mans 
behalf, to sustain and to heal him. Sickness, 
suffering, and death are work of an antagonistic power. 
Satan is the destroyer; God is the restorer. 
MH112, 113  

LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT

https://abible.com/links/