III John (NIV)

Summary:

Verses 1-14

John writes this letter to Gaius, whom he loves in the truth.  He prays for Gaius' good health, that everything goes well with him, and that his soul progresses.  John is filled with joy because of the brothers' report of Gaius' faithfulness to them, although he does not know them.  The brothers told the church of Gaius' love.

John encourages Gaius to send the brothers on their way in a manner worthy of God.  It was for His Name's sake that the brothers went out, receiving no help from the pagans.  Therefore, we should be hospitable to the people of faith so that we can work together for the truth.

John had written to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first, will have nothing to do with the apostles.  If John visits, he will call attention to Diotrephes' malicious gossip, refusal to welcome the brothers, for stopping those that want to welcome them, and kicking these welcomers out of the church.  John writes that Gaius should imitate good and not evil.  Those that do good are from God.  Those that do evil have not seen God.

Demetrius is well spoken of, even by the truth itself.  The apostles approve of him, and Gaius knows that the apostles' testimony is true.

John has more to say, but prefers to do so face to face.  He wishes Gaius peace.  The friends also send their greetings, and John tells Gaius to greet the friends there by name.

Lori's Thoughts:

Like John, we should pray for the progress of our souls, that we may continue to grow in faith through the Holy Spirit.  We should help take care of each other, because we know that those that are not of God reject those that are.  If we don't, no one will.

"Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it."  (Hebrews 13:2)

When I was a teenager, there was a homeless and mentally handicapped man that visited our church once.  The elders were quick to kick him out, but quick to welcome the rich.  My mother believes that this man was an angel, sent to test us.  As a church, we failed.

You will know whom people serve by how they love others.  We should imitate those that feed, clothe, house, heal, and pray for others.  This is how we love.

" 'Then the King will say to those on His right, "Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.  For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me."..."I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me."' " (Matthew 25: 34-36, 40)

You can be sure others are watching what you do.  If you're right with God, this shouldn't make you feel guilty, but rather responsible.  We should set an example for others.

" 'You are the light of the world.  A city on a hill cannot be hidden.  Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl.  Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.  In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.' "  (Matthew 5: 14-16)

**Words in red are direct translations of Jesus' words.