3 John
3 John 1:1-14
1 The Elder, To the beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth:
2 Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.
3 For I rejoiced greatly when brethren came and testified of the truth that is in you, just as you walk in the truth.
4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.
5 Beloved, you do faithfully whatever you do for the brethren and for strangers,
6 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,
7 because they went forth for His name’s sake, taking nothing from the Gentiles.
8 We therefore ought to receive such, that we may become fellow workers for the truth.
9 I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to have the preeminence among them, does not receive us.
10 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.
11 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.
12 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.
13 I had many things to write, but I do not wish to write to you with pen and ink;
14 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.
It’s not the presence of truth that makes a difference, but only when that truth is walked that kingdom purpose is accomplished. John indicates the greatest pleasure comes from truth that is walked out from its reception in those we influence. He indicates that this same heart should be in Gaius (us), that the desire to send people on a truth journey will keep it from following after evil, that good, when imitated, will actually be evidence of having seen God. There is prospering for the soul in this walk of truth that will position for provision in all aspects of life. It’s interesting that for all the doctrinal issues that become points of bantering and bickering, there is really no point in any of it if there is not the simple walking out of the truth that really matters, living love and sharing the Father’s heart in a touch, smile and clear proclamation of truth.