Reading the Word

3 John 5–8 (ESV)

⁵ Beloved, it is a faithful thing you do in all your efforts for these brothers, strangers as they are, ⁶ who testified to your love before the church. You will do well to send them on their journey in a manner worthy of God. ⁷ For they have gone out for the sake of the name, accepting nothing from the Gentiles. ⁸ Therefore we ought to support people like these, that we may be fellow workers for the truth.

Understanding the Word

In these verses, John commends the church for supporting fellow Christians who were faithfully proclaiming the true gospel message. It is a good thing for believers to support other believers and share in the work of spreading the truth.

Applying the Word

In a world that values autonomy, the church is a constant reminder that we are called to community. First, we are called to be a part of a local church where we can learn and grow while also using our God-given gifts and abilities to serve others.

Second, we are called not only to be a part of a local church, but also to realize that all true churches are joined together in the same task: the ministry of the gospel. As part of a world-wide fellowship made up of believers from every nation, we all have a vested interest in the spread of the gospel in all places. This is why it is so important for churches and individuals that have an excess to support other believers who have a need. When we do, we become fellow workers for the truth.

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