3 John 1: Hospitality

3 John 1
Hospitality

5. Dear friend, you are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers and sisters, even though they are strangers to you.

6. They have told the church about your love. Please send them on their way in a manner that honors God.

7. It was for the sake of the Name that they went out, receiving no help from the pagans.

8. We ought therefore to show hospitality to such people so that we may work together for the truth.

◇ Wherever people live, there are virtues to be found. One of those virtues seems to be hospitality. Literally, it means "to welcome someone warmly and to treat them generously."

The story I read to my son yesterday was about a poor old stranger who received great blessings after being welcomed and treated well late one evening. The Bible, in particular, speaks highly of showing hospitality to strangers.

In 3 John, John praises Gaius for his hospitality towards strangers and rebukes Diotrephes for his lack of it. Here, the strangers are not just travelers or people moving from one place to another. The strangers John refers to are evangelists, itinerant preachers of the gospel who travel without money, extra clothes, or provisions, focusing solely on spreading the gospel (Matthew 10:9-10).

Diotrephes and his followers not only refused to welcome these evangelists, but they also turned them away. And this attitude was spreading among others. John warns against this behavior.

Have you ever considered the situation of someone spreading the gospel without money, a bag, extra clothes, or sandals? Can you imagine an evangelist being mocked and scorned by pagans? Jesus said that such evangelists are like sheep among wolves (Matthew 10:16).

If even Christians were to turn away these evangelists who already face such treatment from pagans, how would they feel? Where would they find peace and rest? While it is understandable that the presence of false preachers might cast a shadow on genuine evangelists, turning them away is like casting out a brother.

♧ God, grant us a beautiful heart that welcomes strangers, especially those who preach the gospel. Let us be warm and generous to those who labor and dedicate themselves to spreading your word. Holy Spirit, guide us in truth. Amen!