Thursday, December 7

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2017


2 Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well. 3 It gave me great joy when some believers came and testified about your faithfulness to the truth, telling how you continue to walk in it. 4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.

5 Dear friend, you are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers and sisters, even though they are strangers to you. 6 They have told the church about your love. Please send them on their way in a manner that honors God. 7 It was for the sake of the Name that they went out, receiving no help from the pagans. 8 We ought therefore to show hospitality to such people so that we may work together for the truth.

(3 John 2-8)


In this letter - perhaps aptly describes as a postcard - the apostle John writes to his brother in Christ, Gaius. This letter highlights the ongoing love that the saints may show to others and that discipleship friendships may continue for many years.

The apostle may have written the letter from his exil on the island of Patmos, late in his life (c. 90 AD). He received this report of Gaius's faithfulness, which brought him great joy. First, he knew that Gaius himself was experiencing joy by walking faithfully with God. Second, John treasured this news, knowing that his life's investment in the Gospel had paid dividends into the lives of others. Gaius has demonstrated the Gospel through his love and commitment to the truth. He had taken up the mantle from his teacher, John, and was willing to invest in the Kingdom work.

Who has invested in your life in 2017? How have you invested in the lives of others? What steps might you take this month and into 2018 in order to bear more fruit through your relationship? How would you like to grow in this arena?


Lord God, thank You for showing us examples of faithful brother and sisters in the Scriptures. Help us to show a similar faithfulness through our experience of Your love and truth. Give us wisdom on how best to bear fruit through our relationships in December and 2018. We love You and honor You today. In Jesus's Name, amen.


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