Day 86

"But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. Use hospitality one to another without grudging. As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen." (I Peter 4:7-11)

It's pretty clear - Love covers a multitude of sins. We receive these words of encouraging instruction from the Apostle Peter. They are words spoken that we may remain humble, receiving each other in love, and serving to each other as God has given us ability. But there are many who care not for these things. They are too selfish and have no interest in loving others, receiving, and serving. They only care about themselves  You know these kind of people, don't you? They walk through life seeking greedy gain even turning holy things into idolatry and corrupting the good that it becomes evil. This is exactly what we see in John's third letter.

There are two main characters in III John: Gaius and Diotrephes. John gives a lot of praise and honor to Gaius because of his unfeigned love and service toward his Christian brothers. But Diotrephes is contemned by the Apostle John for his selfish attitude and greedy gain.

Diotrephes was the pastor, who being in charge, sought after the "preeminence" of the position of power. He wanted the praise and worship of men. He wanted to be first. He wanted to be in charge. He wanted to command the believers. He even threw out those who opposed him and commanded the church to not receive the Apostles and ministers of God's word. Diotrephes had no love for men or Christ in his heart.

But then we have Gaius who loves his fellow Christians. He brings them into his home as his own personal expense. He tends to their needs and he loves them. Gaius does this because he loves God and is a fellow helper in the ministry. For these qualities and righteous character John says: "Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth" (v. 2).

Now the thing that I find so wonderfully interesting is the fact that John never ever told Gaius that he should leave the church he was at and go look for a different church to serve in. He gives us no hint that this should be our desire. In fact, he advises him to do the opposite. John tells Gaius to continue in his good work and service to God; to endure Diotrephes. And here is why: It does not matter who appears to be in charge, God is in charge of all things. Diotrephes thought he was in charge and abused a holy position that God had gave for the benefit and stablishing of the church. But the truth is, God placed Gaius in that church to be the salt and light of the community of faith. Gaius ministry was much more effectual and so much more important than anything Diotrephes could have accomplished.

So suppose you were one of the two main characters of III John, would you be known for your loving hospitality or your selfish wickedness? 

I know I have been guilty of having the spirit of Diotrephes before in my life. I would be no different from this wicked man without the power of the gospel of Christ living in me. Jesus Christ is our hope, our strength, and even our reform. Do you want change, Christ, and only Christ has the power to change you.

With love and hospitality in Jesus Christ for you all,

Jay Silvas