Definition: For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this beautiful verse from 3 John 1:3. It’s a really important message about how we should evaluate others. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that the author of 3 John (a letter written to a church in Asia) was pleased when people came and shared something important – specifically, they were sharing the truth about you . He felt good about that! Let's unpack it word by word: “For I rejoiced…” : This is the starting point. The author expresses happiness or joy. It’s not just a neutral feeling; it’s a real, positive emotion. “…when the brethren came…” : "Brothers" refers to fellow believers – people who are part of the same faith community. “Came” means they arrived or were present. “…and testified of the truth that is in thee…” : This is the key part! “Testified” means they shared something important, and “the truth that is in thee” means they revealed something about you . It’s saying they offered you a glimpse of the reality of who you are – your character, your beliefs, your actions. “…even as thou walkest in the truth.” : This is where it gets really important. "Thou" (you) is a formal way of addressing someone. “Walkest” means you’re living your life according to that truth. “In the truth” refers to being aligned with God's will and moral principles. It means you are acting in accordance with what He has shown you. Putting it all together: The author is saying, "I was happy when people came and shared something about you – something that’s true about your character and your way of life. And I'm living my life according to that truth." Why is this important? This verse encourages us to: Be honest with ourselves: We should be willing to share our beliefs and how we live them with honesty. Be open to receiving truth: We need to be receptive to the things others say about us – good or bad. Live a life that aligns with God’s will: It’s not enough to just say you believe something; you must actually live it in a way that reflects His goodness. In short, this verse is a call to live authentically and be truthful about who we are. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these points further? Give you examples of how this verse applies to your life?