I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father.
There is somewhat very blessed in this. We find that not only this elect lady, but some of her children, were in grace. And the good old Apostle felt the joy of it. Nothing can be more delightful to a child of God, than when he discovers others that are children also. It was under this view the Psalmist speaks, when he said, "Lo! Children are an heritage of the Lord, and the fruit of the womb is a reward" (Psalms 127:3). But, it can only be so spoken, when they arise, like olive branches, round the parent's table, blessed with grace. Sad, and wretched, did the Patriarch view his ungodly children, in the Absaloms, and Adonijahs, and the Ammons of his loins; when he cried out, "my house is not so with God"; though he took to himself the blessedness of the everlasting covenant God had made with him, ordered in all things and sure (2 Samuel 23:5).