Who knew?
3 John is an epistle that concerns three individuals: Gaius, Diotrephes, and Demetrius. John continues to stress the importance of “the truth” and how he was filled with joy when he heard of those who “walk in the truth”. John referred to himself in his gospel as “the disciple whom Jesus loved”, a title that highlights one of the great themes of all John’s biblical contributions, including 3 John, the love of God working itself out in the lives of human beings. This concise letter, tucked away near the end of the New Testament, offers wisdom on hospitality, leadership, and the importance of walking in truth. At just 15 verses long (or 14, depending on which Bible version you read), When you read this. Let it remind you that someone may say something to you to sway you away from the church you go to. Remember if only one person said something discouraging, it probably was misinterpreted or not true. Guide them gently. Everyone is trying to go in the same direction following Jesus. Each of us are learning. Ask questions in trying times. Shun evil and keep from being influenced by the ungodly practices of the world.
3 John 1:1-15 Easy: Greetings from the Elder (Apostle John) To my dear friend Gaius, a person I truly love. My dear friend, I know that you are doing well spiritually. So I pray that everything else is going well with you and that you are enjoying good health. Some believers came and told me about the truth in your life. They told me that you continue to follow the way of truth. This made me very happy. It always gives me the greatest joy when I hear that my children are following the way of truth. My dear friend, it is good that you continue to help the believers. They are people you don’t even know. They told the church about the love you have. Please help them to continue their trip. Help them in a way that will please God. They went on their trip to serve Christ. They did not accept any help from people who are not believers. So we should help them. When we help them, we share with their work for the truth. I wrote a letter to the church, but Diotrephes will not listen to what we say. He always wants to be the leader. When I come, I will talk with him about what he is doing. He lies and says evil things about us, but that is not all. He refuses to welcome and help the believers who travel there. And he will not let others help them. If they do, he stops them from meeting with the church anymore. My dear friend, don’t follow what is bad; follow what is good. Whoever does what is good is from God. But whoever does evil has never known God. Everyone says good things about Demetrius, and the truth agrees with what they say. Also, we say good about him. And you know that what we say is true. I have many things I want to tell you. But I don’t want to use pen and ink. I hope to visit you soon. Then we can be together and talk. Peace to you. The friends here with me send their love. Please give our love to each one of the friends there.
Father God, Thank You and praise You that You call me beloved and for all the blessings You pour into my life. I feel that this day is the first new fresh day I want You to take the center place in my life. I give You my appreciation Holy Spirit for always being there for me throughout my life up to this point and ask that You would lead and guide me in the days that lie ahead. Holy Spirit thank You for the witness of godly men like the apostle John, and examples of spirituality like Gaius, who walked in sincerity and truth. Praise You for all those You have placed in my life. Those that have been Jesus to me and others. I believe that I may reflect the beauty and goodness of my Savior Lord Jesus Christ, I love You Thank You, praise You and give You all the honor and glory in Your Precious Name Amen.