“(3 John 1:11) 11 Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. He who does good is of God, but he who does evil has not seen God.”

John writes with tenderness, “Beloved.” He reminds us that the Christian life is not only about believing the truth but imitating it. In a world full of loud voices and questionable examples, Scripture calls us to choose our patterns carefully.

Imitation shapes character. Children imitate parents. Students imitate teachers. Christians are to imitate Christ. When we choose what is good, this reflects God’s heart, we show that we truly know Him.

A simple illustration: a mirror doesn’t create an image; it reflects one. Our lives are meant to reflect the goodness of the God we belong to. When people look at us, they should catch a glimpse of Him.

Will what others see in you today, will you reflect the goodness of God more clearly?

6/9 Edited to

... Read moreLiving out the principle of 3 John 1:11 is both a challenge and a calling. From my personal experience, I’ve found that consciously deciding to imitate what is good requires daily reflection and intentionality. In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to be swayed by negative influences, but focusing on positive role models—especially Christ—can transform our mindset and behavior. One practical way I implement this is by starting each day with a moment of gratitude and prayer, asking for guidance to act with kindness and integrity. This habit helps set the tone for decisions that reflect God's goodness throughout the day. Moreover, surrounding myself with a community that values and models good behavior strengthens my commitment to live out these virtues. Another important aspect is understanding that we are like mirrors, revealing what we hold inside. When we nurture compassion, patience, and honesty, others see these qualities and, hopefully, catch a glimpse of God's character through us. This reflection isn’t about perfection but about genuine effort to choose good over evil in everyday interactions. Lastly, teaching these values to children or mentoring others has deepened my appreciation of imitation’s power. Just like children learn by watching parents, adults influence one another. Being mindful of the example we set can encourage a positive ripple effect in our families, workplaces, and beyond.

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