[:en]SCRIPTURE: 3 JOHN
“Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God” (3 John v. 11)
John wrote this letter to his dear friend Gaius, praising and thanking him for welcoming God’s messenger. He scolded Diotrephes, who loves to gossip and to be first.
John contrasted three persons in the church at Gaius:
- Gaius – He was faithful and true. He continued to walk in the truth. And he showed love to strangers who were God’s messenger
- Diotrephes – He was a gossiper, bringing false accusation against pastor. He refused to welcome brothers. And he stopped those who want to welcome brothers and put them out of the church.
- Demetrius – He was well spoken of by everyone. He had a good report from the saints. And his life was tested by action.
Lesson:
A. Let us imitate Gaius, who had a healthy spiritual life. He welcomed traveling evangelists and missionaries and entertained them at his home. He shared God’s ministry through hospitality.
B. Let us follow Demetrius who had a good testimony in his life. He proved his faith by his deeds.
C. Let us refrain from being like Diotrephes, who was eager to have power and authority. He ignored God’s Word, scattering the flock and destroying the church.[:]