3 John 1 | Daily Bible Reading & Reflection

3 John Devotional: Explore John’s encouraging letter to Gaius about truth, love, and hospitality. Learn the contrast between faithful service and selfish pride, and how to imitate what is good.

Dear brothers and sisters, peace in Christ. Welcome to 3 John. Though this short letter contains only 15 verses, it offers powerful lessons on support, Christian character, and what it truly means to walk in the truth. Let us listen closely as the Apostle John encourages faithful believers and warns against self-serving leadership.

Introduction: Walking in Truth and Showing Hospitality

In 3 John, the Apostle addresses a faithful believer named Gaius, expressing great joy that Gaius is "walking in the truth." John commends Gaius for his generous hospitality toward traveling ministers and teachers—often strangers to him—who were spreading the Gospel. John describes this support as being "workers together for the truth."

The letter also highlights a stark contrast between two men: Diotrephes, who loved to have the preeminence, refused John’s authority, and put believers out of the church; and Demetrius, who had a good testimony from everyone and from the truth itself. John closes with a simple, timeless exhortation: "Do not imitate what is evil, but what is good."

What can we learn from this today? This letter provides a clear picture of how practical love sustains the kingdom of God. Walking in truth isn't just about believing right doctrine; it's about practicing hospitality, supporting gospel ministry, and maintaining humility. We are warned against the spirit of Diotrephes—pride that seeks control and division. Instead, we are called to imitate humble service, opening our hearts and resources to strengthen the body of Christ and stand firmly as "fellow workers for the truth."

Bible Verse - 3 John 1

1 The elder unto the wellbeloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth.

2 Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.

3 For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth.

4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.

5 Beloved, thou doest faithfully whatsoever thou doest to the brethren, and to strangers;

6 Which have borne witness of thy charity before the church: whom if thou bring forward on their journey after a godly sort, thou shalt do well:

7 Because that for his name's sake they went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles.

8 We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellowhelpers to the truth.

9 I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not.

10 Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church.

11 Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.

12 Demetrius hath good report of all men, and of the truth itself: yea, and we also bear record; and ye know that our record is true.

13 I had many things to write, but I will not with ink and pen write unto thee:

14 But I trust I shall shortly see thee, and we shall speak face to face. Peace be to thee. Our friends salute thee. Greet the friends by name.

Prayer

John wrote that he had "no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth." As we turn to prayer, let us ask the Lord for open hearts, humble spirits, and the grace to walk faithfully in His truth today.

Dear Heavenly Father,

We praise You for Your eternal Word, which guides, corrects, and encourages us. Thank You for the gift of Christian fellowship and for the privilege of standing together to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Lord, we ask that You search our hearts today. Guard us against the pride and self-exaltation of Diotrephes. Remove any desire to control or stand above others, and replace it with the gentleness and humility of Christ. Help us to be like Gaius—generous, welcoming, and eager to support those who labor for Your name. Teach us how to open our homes, our resources, and our lives to strengthen our brothers and sisters in the faith.

We pray for our local church and the universal Church, that we would be known for walking in truth and reflecting Your love. Give us discernment to recognize what is good and the strength to imitate it daily. We pray for traveling ministers, missionaries, and servants of the Gospel around the world; protect them, supply their needs, and surround them with faithful partners. May all that we do bring honor to the name of Jesus.

Amen.

Daily Application Question

John commends Gaius for supporting fellow believers and "workers for the truth." What is one practical way you can show hospitality or offer encouragement to someone serving in ministry this week?

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Gaius? Gaius was a respected believer in the early church, known for his love, faithful walk in the truth, and generous hospitality toward traveling Christians.
Why did Diotrephes cause problems in the church? Diotrephes was motivated by pride ("who loves to have the preeminence"). He rejected John’s apostolic authority, spread malicious rumors, and refused to show hospitality to faithful brothers, even expelling those who did.
What does it mean to be "workers together for the truth"? It means that when we support, host, or pray for those who preach the Gospel, we actively share in their ministry and the work of spreading God's truth.

Thank you for joining us for 3 John. May you go out today with a heart ready to welcome others, imitate what is good, and walk joyfully in the truth of God. We look forward to studying the next book of Scripture with you tomorrow!

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