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Well wishes are often heard this time of year. We wax sentimental – assess where we’ve been – look ahead to a bright future even though we don’t know what a day will bring. We open up a new calendar dated 2026. You may or may not stay up till midnight New Year’s eve to see in the New Year. You may or may not watch the ball drop in New York City. You may or may not make New Year’s resolutions. Most are lighthearted and forgotten in a few weeks. Even if we fail, we feel better for having tried.

In 3 John 2 the apostle offered his wishes for his friend in the faith, Gaius. John loved Gaius for his hospitality toward missionaries on their journeys. The concern for Gaius’ wellbeing related to his ability to aid those evangelists. Of interest, Diotrephes was not like-minded (Vs. 9).

There are two kinds of prosperity – body and soul. How foolish is the one who thinks of the physical, but neglects the spiritual? He or she prizes the house, but despises the landlord. If our souls were equal to our bodies in prosperity, what sort of shape would we be in?

“Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health.” We begin letters (if you still write them) or emails this way: “Hoping this finds you well.” Physical well-being is certainly not beneath our notice (Mk. 5:19). It becomes our sacred duty to make the best of our lives (Lk. 2:52). We might pray for the physical wellbeing of every member of the Mabelvale church. The human condition has its ups and downs. Aging brings its own set of problems. Let’s pray this way for every member of the Mabelvale church. We want physical vitality for all.

Then John adds: “as it goes well with your soul.” John knew from Gaius’ way of life that his soul was in a healthy condition. He prayed that his bodily health would match that of his soul. We want each member at Mabelvale to thrive spiritually. We want to eliminate the spiritual problems that plague so many people. We want to avoid spiritual fatigue (Gal. 6:9; Rev. 3:15). We want to eliminate spiritual heart disease (Mk. 6:52). We want to increase spiritual appetite (1 Pet. 2:2). What would be the result if such a prayer were answered?