3 John – Always Be Kind

The traveling missionaries may have not been members of their congregation, but they were brothers in Christ. Gaius, an elder in the church, recognized their common ground and pledged his support in their kingdom calling.

But not everyone shared his views. Who Gaius esteemed as a fellow family member, Diotrephes dismissed as an outsider. More than that, he encouraged the other believers to reject the missionaries as well. Those who didn’t, he put out of the church!

John wrote his third letter to commend Gaius and put Diotrephes in his rightful place. Through Jesus Christ, all believers are united as one in God’s family. The love that flows from our Father must pour through His people, as well. Hospitality and love are the hallmarks of those who house God’s Spirit inside. To deny other believers honor, respect, and love calls the validity of our faith into serious question.

John’s letter is short and to the point. He planned to discipline Diotrephes in person. But until then, he encouraged the believers to continue in the truth, walking in the light and love that comes from the One to whom they all belong.

Who is Gaius? Who is Diotrephes?

Have you ever had someone in your life talk about you behind your back?

How do you treat others?