3 John 1:5-8
Dear friend, you are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers and sisters, even though they are strangers to you. They have told the church about your love. Please send them on their way in a manner that honors God. It was for the sake of the Name that they went out, receiving no help from the pagans. We ought therefore to show hospitality to such people so that we may work together for the truth.
Devotion
Based on this short but very personal letter, we learn that Gaius had developed a reputation for being a godly man. First John commends him for his faithfulness to the truth (v.3). In verses five through eight, we get more of a glimpse into Gaius’ life. He was also faithful in his service to the saints. John points out that he showed hospitality to those who John had sent to the church. He openly received these strangers and welcomed them into his home. These messengers then reported back to John about the love that they received from Gaius. Gaius had developed a reputation for walking in the truth and in love. He had developed a reputation for showing hospitality and love to those who were strangers to him. He developed a reputation for being a man faithful to the truth concerning Jesus Christ. Because of his godly reputation, his name has been held up in history as an example for all who claim the name of Christ to follow. Reputation is defined as “the beliefs or opinions that are generally held about someone.” Whether we live for Christ or don’t live for Him, we all develop a reputation. In some ways, your reputation is the summary of your life. At the end of your earthly existence, you will be remembered one way or another. The question is: How will you be remembered? Will your life reflect your devotion to the Father and the Son? Or will your life reflect your devotion to this world system and the values it declares? Because of his faithfulness to walking in truth and love, Gaius’ name will go down in human history as an example to follow. His reputation inspires us to live for Christ. I pray that our lives will inspire the next generation to walk in truth and love!Questions to Ponder
What is your reputation in the world? What is your reputation in the church? If your life were summed up in one sentence, what would it say? How do you want to be remembered? What must you do to make sure your life is an inspiration to the next generation of believers?Prayer Points
- Praise the Lord that His arms and heart are always inviting us to come and fellowship with Him.
- Pray we will also be open and inviting to those around us.
- Thank Him for His shepherding heart that leads us into His truth.
- Ask the Lord to direct your footsteps according to His Word, that no sin would rule over you (Psalm 119:133).
- Ask Him to grant You a spirit of wisdom and revelation to know Him better and that Your life will overflow with His love.
- Pray that our lives will inspire the next generation to walk in truth and love.
Suggested PrayerAbba Father, Your Word, O LORD, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens. Your faithfulness continues through all generations; You establish the earth, and it endures (Psalm 119:89-90). Lord, I praise You for Your faithfulness in my life and the lives of those around us. God, I ask that You make me and Your church be people of Your Word and that our lives will reflect Your love to the next generation. Cause Your Word to run swiftly in and through us all for Your glory and power. I ask in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.