3 John 1:4

An Understandable Version (2005 edition)

I do not have any greater joy than to hear that my [spiritual] children are living according to the truth.

Cross References

Galatians 4:19

My little children [i.e., dear ones], I am again deeply pained [as a woman in childbirth] over your [spiritual] condition, until [the life of] Christ becomes formed in your character.

2 Timothy 1:2

[It is being sent] to Timothy, my dearly loved son. May you have unearned favor, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

1 Timothy 1:2

[It is being sent] to Timothy, my true son in the faith [i.e., in the realm of Christianity, not in a physical sense]. May you have unearned favor, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

Galatians 2:14

But, when I saw that they did not act in harmony with [the principles of] the truth of the Gospel [message], I said to Cephas in front of everyone, “If you, being a Jew, act like a Gentile [by showing such discrimination], how do you expect to persuade Gentiles to live like Jews [i.e., like Christian Jews who are taught to love all people]?”

Philemon 1:10

I appeal to you on behalf of my son, Onesimus, whom I [spiritually] conceived while [here] in prison.

2 Corinthians 6:13

I am speaking to you as my [spiritual] children; open up [your hearts] to me in return.

1 Thessalonians 2:11

For you know that we treated each one of you like a father treats his own children, exhorting you, and comforting you,

1 John 2:1

My little children [i.e., dear ones], I am writing this to you so that you will not sin anymore. But if anyone does sin, we have Someone to go to the Father on our behalf; it is Jesus Christ, the [only] righteous One.

2 John 1:4

I was very happy when I learned that my children [i.e., members of the congregation there] are living in [harmony with the] truth, just as we have been commanded to do by the Father.