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3 JOHN

INTRODUCTION

This letter is a note of thanks and encouragement to an individual named Gaius. John had sent a letter to the church of which Gaius was a member, introducing and commending certain individuals, but a leader named Diotrephes refused to accommodate them. He opposed John’s authority to the point of actually expelling anyone who supported the people he had sent. Gaius, however, put these preachers up in his own home, enabling them to carry out their mission. John’s gratitude makes it clear that the church should provide a base of operations for traveling preachers who were walking in the truth. John also promises to come soon to set matters right.

 

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3 John (ESV)

¹ The elder to the beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth.

² Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul.³ For I rejoiced greatly when the brothers came and testified to your truth, as indeed you are walking in the truth. ⁴ I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.

⁵Dear friend, you are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers, even though they are strangers to you. ⁶They have told the church about your love. You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God. ⁷It was for the sake of the Name that they went out, receiving no help from the pagans. ⁸We ought therefore to show hospitality to such men so that we may work together for the truth.

 

REFLECTION:

1. Chapter at a Glance: John wrote to Gaius to encourage him to keep on ministry, to warn against Diotrephes and to commend Demetrius.
2. Read the passage carefully as if John is writing specifically to me.
3. What opportunity have you had recently to show someone hospitality? Or in some way help someone who is trying to do good? How did you respond to that opportunity?  What do you notice about the motives and priorities behind your action (or non-action)?
4. Think about some gifts you can offer to others (such as cooking, listening ear, words of encouragement.) Write them down and go through the list with God. Determine which gifts you are glad to share, and which ones you are Now think of a specific person who would be helped by your hospitality.  Ask God what He would have you offer to this person.  Be open to take this small step toward hospitality, and see how God may change your heart as you do it.

 

PRAYER:

Stay with God for a little longer.  Continue to converse with God and listen to what He wants to tell you.  Then write down any thought and/or prayer in your spiritual journal.

 

HYMN: