Prosper In God / God Is Our Source

Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. 

 3 John 2

In the Greek the word translated health in this verse is hugianio (hoog-ee-ah'ee-no) from which we derive our English word hygiene.  It is defined as "sound,"  "healthy," free from disease or void of the germs that cause sickness and disability."

This wish by John was expressed to a man named Gaius who worried himself sick over his problems.  John was sending traveling ministers to Gaius' church.  An influential member of that church by the name of Diotrephes did not want these ministers to come so he vigorously opposed the plan, apparently threatening to cut financial support if it were carried out.  Gaius was thus caught in the middle.

This verse is part of John's letter written in response to the situation.  In it, John is telling Gaius: "Look, you do not need to worry over this situation.  Diotrephes does not have all the money in the world.  He is causing problems becasue he loves to have pre-eminence.  But, Gaius, God wants you to look to Him as your sole source of supply.  I am praying that you will prosper financially, and be in health, even as your soul prospers."

Your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost.  You are storing in it the Word of God which will produce health.  A sound and healthy body is the ideal receptacle for the sound and healthy scriptures which you have hidden in your heart...if you are a child of God Almighty�?/FONT>