Saturday 14 November 2009

Background

The recipient of this letter is something of a mystery... Whowas the well-loved Gaius? We don't know. It was a common name atthe time, but it is a name that we would do well to remember. Gaiuswas someone who epitomised God's love and truth: the two greatthemes of this epistle.

We know that the visiting Christians had reported back to Johnabout the love they had received from Gaius. The letter also seemsto indicate that they were still there, no doubt enjoying Gaius'extended hospitality. So they hadn't just dropped in for a cup ofcoffee...

In the early Church, preachers often carried out an itinerantministry and stayed in the homes of other believers. Gaius not onlyopened his home to those known to him, but to strangers too. Hedidn't previously know the visitors, but he knew they were doingthe Lord's work and that's what mattered.

John not only commended Gaius but encouraged him to continue in thesame way. He said "send them on in a manner worthy of God", whichwe can take to mean not just sending them off with a blessing and afriendly wave, but equipping them for their onward journey inpractical terms too.

The final sentence sums up the reason why John was encouragingGaius to continue his good works in supporting other believers -"so that we may become co-workers with the truth".

The message here is clear:

• Our lives should reflect God's love in practical terms.
• We should support Christians everywhere and welcome thestranger in our midst.

All this for the sake of the truth about our Lord JesusChrist.

To Ponder

How do we feel when our church may be strugglingto attract new members and a new church springs up on 'our patch'?Do we welcome them and work ecumenically or do we choose tomaintain 'difference'?

In what ways can you support other Christians,both those known and unknown to you?