3 John 1:1-14
The Elder, To the beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth:
Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.
For I rejoiced greatly when brethren came and testified of the truth that is in you, just as you walk in the truth.
I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.
Beloved, you do faithfully whatever you do for the brethren and for strangers,
who have borne witness of your love before the church. If you send them forward on their journey in a manner worthy of God, you will do well,
because they went forth for His name’s sake, taking nothing from the Gentiles.
We therefore ought to receive such, that we may become fellow workers for the truth.
I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to have the preeminence among them, does not receive us.
Therefore, if I come, I will call to mind his deeds which he does, prating against us with malicious words. And not content with that, he himself does not receive the brethren, and forbids those who wish to, putting them out of the church.
Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. He who does good is of God, but he who does evil has not seen God.
Demetrius has a good testimony from all, and from the truth itself. And we also bear witness, and you know that our testimony is true.
I had many things to write, but I do not wish to write to you with pen and ink;
but I hope to see you shortly, and we shall speak face to face. Peace to you. Our friends greet you. Greet the friends by name.
Division in the church. Have you ever experienced it? Thankfully I haven't. It can destroy good churches.
Diotrephes was a person causing division in the early church. He traveled from church to church spreading heresy and dividing churches with false doctrine. John was warning the church to not be fooled by this man.
We probably all know that one person who likes to stir things up. They aren't content unless they create chaos. They live for the drama. Just as the early Christians were hospitable to Diotrephes, we can be hospitable to our own drama king or queen. We should not however, be like them. John tells them "Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good."
Next time you're around that drama maker, turn to the One True Maker and imitate Him.
Blessings, Cecilia
The Elder, To the beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth:
Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.
For I rejoiced greatly when brethren came and testified of the truth that is in you, just as you walk in the truth.
I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.
Beloved, you do faithfully whatever you do for the brethren and for strangers,
who have borne witness of your love before the church. If you send them forward on their journey in a manner worthy of God, you will do well,
because they went forth for His name’s sake, taking nothing from the Gentiles.
We therefore ought to receive such, that we may become fellow workers for the truth.
I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to have the preeminence among them, does not receive us.
Therefore, if I come, I will call to mind his deeds which he does, prating against us with malicious words. And not content with that, he himself does not receive the brethren, and forbids those who wish to, putting them out of the church.
Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. He who does good is of God, but he who does evil has not seen God.
Demetrius has a good testimony from all, and from the truth itself. And we also bear witness, and you know that our testimony is true.
I had many things to write, but I do not wish to write to you with pen and ink;
but I hope to see you shortly, and we shall speak face to face. Peace to you. Our friends greet you. Greet the friends by name.
Division in the church. Have you ever experienced it? Thankfully I haven't. It can destroy good churches.
Diotrephes was a person causing division in the early church. He traveled from church to church spreading heresy and dividing churches with false doctrine. John was warning the church to not be fooled by this man.
We probably all know that one person who likes to stir things up. They aren't content unless they create chaos. They live for the drama. Just as the early Christians were hospitable to Diotrephes, we can be hospitable to our own drama king or queen. We should not however, be like them. John tells them "Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good."
Next time you're around that drama maker, turn to the One True Maker and imitate Him.
Blessings, Cecilia
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