True & Beautiful Things About the Bible--New Testamentનમૂનો

The Third Postcard from John: Love Generously

In a little over 200 words, the letter of 3 John puts us in our place.

The purpose of the previous letter, which we call 2 John, was to encourage discernment. It’s not OK to entertain false teachers. You don’t have to be hospitable to everyone.

Now, this next little postcard, 3 John, flips the message: Yes, guard the truth, but don’t be a jerk either. If someone is teaching the truth, take care of them. Show them the love.

This area of practical discernment and hospitality takes real wisdom to figure out. Churches lose their balance when they must agree on how to interact. Grace and truth have got to walk together.

That’s what they’re figuring out in 3 John. John could have said, “My friend, you’ve got the truth. You probably can quote more Bible verses than anyone around. But don’t be a Bible-fathead; instead, wrap the truth in a care-package of love.”

As is often the case, this smallest book of the Bible packs a big punch. John had a word for two men in the church—one positive, one negative.

The first guy, Gaius, was a model of grace and generosity. John loved Gaius; four times in this short letter, he calls him “beloved.” We have some hints that Gaius wasn’t in good health, but regardless, he was the first one to help with any need the church had. Service. Financial. Encouragement. Our man, Gaius, was there. John’s word to him was, “your reputation precedes you. You walk in truth and you walk in love. It really makes my heart glad.” Gaius’ had both spiritual discernment and a godly, beautiful love for the people of the church.

Well, the other guy, you guessed it, didn’t have either of these gifts. Diothroeses was the self-proclaimed “church boss” (aka the “church bully”). His theology may have been on track, but he had control issues. He wanted to run the show. He essentially told the apostle John, “I was here before you and I’ll be here when you’re gone.” Nothing happened without Diothroeses’ approval, and because of this, the teaching at the church was being hindered. He not only refused hospitality to traveling speakers but tried to stop others from welcoming them, too. (It’s like he’s reading the wrong letter.)

Discernment is never easy. The truth about Jesus Christ is worth standing firm, but if it’s not a doctrinal issue, then love always wins the day. Ask God to help you, and of course, He will. He reads our hearts like a book.

Next: When you love a doubter