In what ways can we emulate "the elder's" love for fellow believers? Setting the Scene: “Whom I love in the truth” (3 John 1:1) • John’s greeting joins love and truth; the two are inseparable for authentic Christian fellowship. • “Truth” (alētheia) points to the unchanging gospel revealed in Christ (John 14:6). • Genuine love therefore begins with shared commitment to that truth. Put Love on a Gospel Foundation • Anchor every relationship in Christ’s finished work. – 1 Peter 1:22: “Since you have purified your souls by obedience to the truth… love one another deeply, from a pure heart.” • Speak affirmations that rest on Scripture, not mere sentiment. • Resist the modern drift toward relativism; our unity is rooted in confessed, objective truth. Cultivate Personal, Warm Affection • John calls Gaius “beloved.” Use affectionate, family language that honors each believer’s worth. – Romans 12:10: “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love.” • Send encouraging notes, texts, or calls that name specific evidences of grace you see in others. • Show up—in sickness, celebration, or ordinary days—so people feel seen and cherished. Practice Truth-Shaped Hospitality • Later in the letter (vv. 5-8) John commends Gaius for welcoming traveling teachers. Follow that pattern: – Open your home for meals, Bible studies, or temporary lodging. – Galatians 6:10: “As we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who belong to the household of faith.” • Guard doctrinal purity even while opening your door (2 John 10-11). Invest in Fellow Believers’ Spiritual Health • Pray specifically for their souls to prosper (3 John 1:2). • Offer Scripture-saturated counsel when they face trials (Colossians 3:16). • Celebrate their obedience: John rejoiced “greatly” when he heard of Gaius’s faithfulness (v. 3). Praise growth you observe in others. Stand with Missionaries and Ministers • Provide “whatever they need” (v. 6). – Financial gifts, airport pickups, childcare, and letters of encouragement all display love in truth. • Philippians 4:15-17 shows Paul exulting over churches that partnered with him; follow their example. Walk in Consistent Integrity • John’s love was credible because he himself walked in the truth (v. 4). • Let personal holiness back up every act of affection. Nothing erodes love faster than hypocrisy. • 1 John 2:5-6: “By this we know that we are in Him: Whoever claims to abide in Him must walk as Jesus walked.” Guard the Flock from Harmful Influence • Love sometimes says “no.” John names Diotrephes (vv. 9-10) as a threat to unity. • Protect the fellowship by confronting arrogant or divisive behavior (Titus 3:10). • Support leaders who model humility and fidelity to Scripture. Serve Self-Sacrificially, Expecting Eternal Reward • The elder poured himself out for Christ’s people without demanding applause. • Hebrews 6:10: “God is not unjust; He will not forget your work and the love you have shown for His name.” • Small, hidden acts—setting up chairs, cleaning after gatherings—echo Jesus washing feet (John 13:14-15). Summary Snapshot Love fellow believers by rooting every affection in gospel truth, expressing warmth and hospitality, investing in their spiritual progress, supporting those who advance the gospel, guarding purity, and serving in humble, consistent ways. In doing so, we mirror the elder’s heart: love anchored in truth, lived out in tangible, sacrificial care. |
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