“Is Your Soul Well?”
Preaching Outline on 3 John 1:2 – “Beloved, I wish you well in all things, and that you may be healthy, even as your soul is healthy.”
Introduction to 3 John 1:2
How is your heart today? How is your soul?
This question may seem strange in a world where everyone cares about their body: gym, diet, supplements, annual check-ups… all to ensure a healthy life. And I’m not saying it’s wrong – on the contrary, taking care of your body is important!
But what about our soul? The deepest part of ourselves, the one that feels, loves, suffers, dreams… How is it?
The Bible has a powerful message in 3 John 1:2. The apostle John wrote to a brother called Gaius, and said something that makes us stop and think:
“Beloved, I wish you well in all things, and that you may be healthy, even as your soul is healthy.” (3 John 1:2)
John isn’t just wishing for prosperity or good luck in life. He’s talking about integral health, but it starts with the soul. Why? Because when the soul is well, almost everything else in life improves too.
Development
Three marks of a healthy soul
The apostle John praises Gaius because he had a healthy soul. But how do we know that our soul is spiritually well? Let’s look at three clear evidences of this in the example of Gaius.
Walking in Truth
In verse 4, John expresses his joy:
“I have no greater joy than this, to hear that my children are walking in the truth.”
Walking in the truth doesn’t just mean knowing what the Bible says. It means living what it teaches. It means aligning your steps with Jesus, who is the Way, the Truth and the Life (John 14:6).
When your soul is healthy, you live with integrity. You don’t live in appearance, but in reality. We confess when we make mistakes, seek forgiveness, grow in grace and rejoice in God’s Word.
This also includes seeking continuous spiritual growth: reading the Bible, praying, participating in the Christian community, studying, understanding who Christ is and what his purpose is for your life.
A Christian with a healthy soul isn’t satisfied with crumbs – he wants the bread of life!
Loyalty in the little things
John singled out Gaius for his faithfulness:
“Beloved, in all things you do faithfully toward the brethren and toward strangers.”
(3 John 1:5)
Loyalty isn’t just about promising and delivering. It’s being consistent, it’s doing things with excellence even when no one is looking. It’s honoring commitments, whether at work, in the family, in the ministry or at church.
Gaius served with passion. He received workers, welcomed people, helped those in need and did it all with love. He was a faithful copy of the Original, and the Original is Jesus.
A good definition of loyalty is this:
“Similarity between the original and the copy.”
If you want to have a healthy soul, you need to be faithful in everything – even the little things. Because faithfulness reveals how much you trust God and how much space He takes up in your heart.
Are you faithful with your time, with your money, with your words, with your promise to God?
Because a healthy soul produces fruits of fidelity.
An unquestionable testimony
John continues, praising Gaius’ impact:
“Who have testified of your love in the presence of the church; whom, if you lead as is right with God, you will do well.” (3 John 1:6)
Testimony is not just about telling miracles. It’s the story of your life being transformed by Christ. It’s showing, with attitudes, that Jesus makes a difference in your routine.
Gaius had a visible testimony. His generosity was noticed. His love for people was unquestionable. He didn’t discriminate – he welcomed both brothers and sisters in the faith and those who didn’t yet know Jesus.
When the soul is healthy, love flows naturally. You begin to invest time, energy and resources in people. You begin to see others with the eyes of Christ.
And you know what’s great? You don’t even have to open your mouth to testify. Your character speaks for itself.
A healthy soul generates testimony. Testimony impacts lives. And lives impacted by Christ change the world.
Conclusion of 3 John 1:2
Let’s go back to the initial question: How’s your soul?
Maybe you’ll answer: “I’m tired, discouraged, far from God.”
Do you know what’s incredible? The same Word that blessed Gaius is here for you today. And the source of all spiritual health is called Jesus Christ.
He heals, restores, gives new beginnings, strength and peace. He doesn’t wait for you to be perfect before he acts in your life. In fact, He acts precisely where you are hurt.
If your soul is sick, it needs healing, hope, a new direction…
Today is the day to give your life to Jesus. Or, if you’re already a believer, to renew that commitment. Confess your sins. Ask for forgiveness. Seek intimacy with Him. Read the Bible. Pray. Go back to church. Do discipleship. Get involved with the Kingdom.
Because a healthy soul is a soul connected to Christ.
Friend, how about stopping to talk to God right now?
You can close your eyes, you can whisper in your heart: “Lord, take care of my soul. Restore me. Renew my heart. I surrender my life to you again. I want to walk in truth, live faithfully and bear witness to Your love. In Jesus’ name, amen.”
If you’ve made that decision now, or are renewing your commitment to Christ, welcome back to God’s heart.
Preaching Outline on 3 John 1:2 – “Beloved, I wish you well in all things, and that you may be healthy, even as your soul is healthy.”
More Preaching Outlines
- A chosen vessel – Acts 9:15-17
- The laws of war – Deuteronomy 20:1-8
- Cistern of Bethlehem – 2 Samuel 23:15
