What does 3 John 1:10 teach about addressing false accusations among believers? Setting the Scene • The apostle John writes to Gaius about Diotrephes, a man who loves to put himself first and has been spreading slander. • John promises personal intervention so the church will not be poisoned by unchecked lies. What the Verse Says “Therefore, if I come, I will call attention to what he is doing, slandering us with malicious words. And not content with that, he refuses to welcome the brothers, and he stops those who want to do so and expels them from the church.” (3 John 1:10) Key Takeaways • False accusations must be exposed—John will “call attention” to them, not whisper about them. • Such exposure happens publicly enough for the body to gain clarity (“if I come”). • Malicious speech is linked with other abuses of authority; deal with the root, not only the fruit. • Protecting the innocent comes before sparing the feelings of the slanderer. Related Scriptures • Matthew 18:15-17—private confrontation first, then witnesses, then the church. • Proverbs 18:17—“The first to state his case seems right until another comes and cross-examines him.” Truth testing is essential. • 1 Timothy 5:19-20—elders sinning publicly are rebuked publicly “so that the rest will stand in fear.” • Galatians 6:1—restore the one at fault “in a spirit of gentleness,” keeping watch on yourself. • James 4:11—believers must “not slander one another,” reminding us why decisive correction matters. Why Confrontation Matters • Slander, left unchecked, divides the body (Romans 16:17). • Truth preserves unity (Ephesians 4:25). • Allowing a pattern of accusation emboldens others to imitate evil (3 John 1:11). Practical Steps Today 1. Investigate carefully—verify facts before acting (Proverbs 18:13). 2. Engage privately first; if unrepentant, include witnesses (Matthew 18). 3. Present the matter to church leadership; transparency counters rumors. 4. If needed, bring public correction with clarity and sobriety—never with personal vengeance (Romans 12:19). 5. Offer a path to repentance and restoration; aim for reconciliation, not humiliation. 6. Guard your own heart from retaliatory slander; speak “the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15). 7. Support the falsely accused—affirm them, pray with them, keep them included in fellowship (2 Timothy 4:16-17). Encouragement Truth ultimately triumphs; God vindicates His servants (Psalm 135:14). Following John’s pattern—prompt, courageous, and restorative confrontation—preserves the purity and peace of Christ’s church. |
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