To my dear friend Gaius: I love you in the truth. Dear friend, I pray that you may prosper in every way and be in good health physically just as you are spiritually. For I was very glad when some brothers came and testified to your faithfulness to the truth—how you are walking in the truth.
In 1stand 2ndJohn, the author, who is believed to be John, talks a lot about truth. In the book of 3rdJohn, John is writing a speaking to one person, Gaius, commending him because he has heard from some others in the faith that Gaius is walking in the truth. Gaius was a dear friend of John and John begins by telling him how thankful he is to hear he is still walking in the truth because during this time there were some in the church who were turning away, and some being led away by false teachers. He then goes one to encourage Gaius in his leadership in the church.
Gaius was younger than John but John pours into him, wishing him the best and praying for him in every way. He encourages him in his ministry, spurring him on. John praises Gaius for his spiritual life, but also, he shows care and concern for every aspect of Gaius’ life, praying that he would prosper in every way. He cares for the whole person. Supporting and cheering on the ones who follow us is so important – to our own faith and to the church itself. Do not think that you have nothing to offer. All through the Bible in many different circumstances, God encourages us to encourage those younger than us. The wisdom we have will be valuable to someone else just starting down the same path we are on, or maybe to someone who is stuck along the way. John gives us a great example in this small book – one of the last things he wrote.
Therefore, we ought to support such men so that we can be coworkers with the truth. V 8
We are called to support those in ministry so that we can be partners in truth with them. By supporting them, we are working with them. Those in ministry need the lay people to encourage them. They need sometimes to even be supported by more physical means such as monetary donations and support. There are thousands of ministers and laborers in ministry around the world that only exist on donations. They depend on God and He meets their needs through supportive brothers and sisters in faith.
Who do you know that you can encourage today? Maybe it is not someone involved in ministry, but someone you can encourage in a situation they are involved in or just in their walk with Christ. Who has God laid on your heart lately? Maybe you need to give them a call or invite them over for coffee. Who can you add to your prayer list? What ministry is God calling you to support with a gift? Consider the honor and privilege of spurring on others in this journey.
Scripture to Claim:
For I was very glad when some brothers came and testified to your faithfulness to the truth—how you are walking in the truth. 3 John 1:3
