Watering Hole of Discipleship

2 John 1:12-13 

12 Having many things to write to you, I did not wish to do so with paper and ink; but I hope to come to you and speak face to face, that our joy may be full.
13 The children of your elect sister greet you. Amen.

John realized that writing letters is good and necessary, but that the face to face sharing is of the most value (1 Thessalonians 2:19-20).  We can write articles and books to help others spiritually, but can never lose sight of the importance of spending time with others to teach them all things (Matthew 28:20) and to sharpen each other as all parts of the body work together.  We are the church under Christ as the authoritative head, but work best together in action using the scriptures as our manual, yet talking together about how we follow God’s instructions for life and godliness over just marveling in its composition.  Our joy is made full in helping others in personal discipleship, which is the teaching by life and words as Jesus gave us example (1 Corinthians 4:16, 11:1).  The apostles modeled this, especially Paul, and here John lives it out in this short letter with the face time to follow in earnest expectation.  This example is one for us to follow in discipling and being discipled.  We then can also write and give greetings when we are apart as the elect of God, His children together with anticipation of meeting together in the sweet fellowship which is the watering hole of discipleship.  Let us drink deep at that well.