Hospitable love

Background and Overview of 3 John

John’s personal letter to a loved believer, Gaius (3 John 1), opens with a mention of prayer for his friend’s health and joy for Gaius's continuing walk in the truth (vv. 2–4). John affirms and encourages Gaius for his demonstration of hospitable love to those who share the truth (vv. 5–8). Conversely, John expresses disapproval of the behavior of someone named Diotrephes (vv. 9–11). John mentions Demetrius as a good role model (v. 12) and concludes with final greetings and a hope to see Gaius soon (vv. 13–15).

Gaius opened his home to all who preached the gospel, including strangers. Similarly, we ought to extend hospitality to believers for the sake of proclaiming the truth in our communities.

Show Hospitality to Gospel-workers

“So we ourselves should support them so that we can be their partners as they teach the truth.” 3 John 8 (NLT)

Believers who share God’s word need support from the family of God. Gaius delighted to show hospitality to believers he knew (3 John 4) and to strangers proclaiming truth (vv. 5–8). He warmly welcomed them into his home and sent them on their way with provisions, trusting they would send forth the Christian message. As the early church practiced hospitality, relationships formed among the local churches and united the Christian family.

The same must be true of us. Many missionaries come as strangers, but they can leave as friends. They may coach an evangelistic basketball youth camp or need a temporary home before returning overseas to work on a Bible translation. By welcoming them to stay in our homes, we contribute to the work of spreading the good news of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection.

Hospitality means not only loving believers we know but also truth-teaching Christian strangers, welcoming them as if entertaining Christ. When we invite them into our homes, we may also give financial assistance or provide supplies. We may provide them a place to stay temporarily, tend to their needs, or share eggs and bacon for breakfast. Or during a much shorter encounter, we might offer words of welcome and encourage them with God’s promises. God wants us to love believers through hospitality, to support furthering the truth.

Practice For Today

Invite a Christian to join you for a meal and fellowship over God’s promises. Ask about their current needs and support them in any way you can. Keep walking in Christ's light and love!

Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash. Cover photo by Nick Fewings on Unsplash.

This six-day plan was written by Dallas Theological Seminary student Caroline Hales and is brought to you by Aspire Productions (www.aspire2.com ).