Two Versions of the Truth

Scripture: 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. 3 John 1:5-6

Observation: This letter by John is really about one subject - the proper way to welcome other believers. Gaius is faithful, as he welcomes strangers who are believers and treats them well at his church. Diotrephes is behaving poorly, as he refuses to aid other itinerate preachers, even John himself, in order to secure his own authority. John's message is basic and clear ... all believers are one family and should welcome and aid one another in our service to God.

Application: I was troubled the other night about a man's assumptive question to me about the inclusivity of our church. I explained to him that we love all people and welcome all seekers, and his immediate reaction was to challenge this. Of course, John agrees we are to welcome all believers, and I am confident he agrees we are to preach Jesus to all non-believers. He would also agree that we can tell one from another by whether or not they do good or evil.

I believe we should love all people, and treat especially well and with special respect brothers and sisters in the faith. I wish all believers understood the fact that these are two different and separate conversations.

Prayer: Lord, as we prepare tonight to serve you for the third straight night, may we all be filled with your love and your wisdom. Odds are we will see over a thousand non-believers tonight alone. May we welcome their visit and demonstrate your love, while also holding to your truth. Amen.