3 John 1:1-8: a reflection

1The elder to Gaius the beloved, whom I love in truth. 2Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be healthy, even as your soul prospers. 3For I rejoiced greatly when brothers came and testified about your truth, even as you walk in truth. 4I have no greater joy than this: to hear about my children walking in truth. 5Beloved, you do a faithful work in whatever you accomplish for those who are brothers and strangers. 6They have testified about your love before the assembly. You will do well to send them forward on their journey in a way worthy of God, 7because for the sake of the Name they went out, taking nothing from the Gentiles. 8We therefore ought to receive such, that we may be fellow workers for the truth.

The apostle John writes to his friend Gaius with warm affection and a particular commendation. He rejoices that Gaius is walking in the truth, and adds, I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth. And he praises Gaius for his faithful hospitality to traveling teachers who went out for the sake of the Name, taking nothing from unbelievers. By supporting them, John says, we become fellow workers for the truth.

Notice two things John values. First, the joy of seeing others walk in the truth. Nothing gives him greater joy, he says, than to hear that those he loves are living faithfully. Their spiritual health is his deepest gladness. And second, the ministry of support: Gaius, by hosting and helping those who went out to spread the gospel, was not merely a bystander but a fellow worker, sharing in their work. His faithful support made him a partner in what they accomplished.

That is worth taking to heart. The joy John describes, finding our deepest gladness in others walking faithfully with God, is a good love to cultivate; let the spiritual thriving of those you love be a real joy to you. And the ministry of support is one anyone can share in. You may not be the one who goes out to the front lines, but by supporting, hosting, encouraging, and providing for those who do, you become a fellow worker for the truth, sharing in their labor and its fruit. Do not underestimate the ministry of support. Those who back God's workers share in the work. Be a fellow worker for the truth by supporting those who go.

Lord, John found no greater joy than to hear that those he loved were walking in the truth, and he honored those who supported the workers who went out for your Name. Give me that joy in others' faithfulness, and make me a faithful supporter of those doing your work. Even if I am not on the front lines, help me support, host, encourage, and provide, and so become a fellow worker for the truth. Let me share in your work by backing those who go.