email : Webview : Duane Brooks - Every Day with Jesus

October 23, 2018

3 John 5-9

Dear friend, you are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers and sisters, even though they are strangers to you. They have told the church about your love. Please send them on their way in a manner that honors God. It was for the sake of the Name that they went out, receiving no help from the pagans. We ought therefore to show hospitality to such people so that we may work together for the truth. I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first, will not welcome us.

New International Version (NIV)

                 I learned at a young age not to read mail addressed to others. Our family had our own right to privacy laws. Even if others allow us to read something, we may feel as though we are trespassing in some way.

                John the Elder wrote to Gaius about truth and hospitality. John was always interested in truth. When traveling preachers arrived in town, Gaius welcomed them, but Diotrephes wouldn't. Hospitality matters. When we help others who are proclaiming the truth we become fellow workers with the truth.

                John had more to say, but he needed to say it face to face. In our day of e-mail, messaging, and various forms of social media, it is easy to communicate with the masses. We should use this new access to others with prayerful caution. When we write, we lose the opportunity of non-verbal communication. Facial expressions, intonation, and inflection help us to communicate and to understand not only substance but intent.

                Do we have something we need to say to someone today? Perhaps it would be best to do it in person. When we do, we can speak "Peace," to each other. Thomas Merton had it right: to love is to "will the good" of another. This is precisely how God loves us. He wants his goodness to abound in our lives. His communication in Christ is clear! As we pray in our benediction, "By the love of God, fully revealed in the face of Jesus Christ, we are being redeemed."

Pray with me:

Father, how we thank you for your kindness expressed to us in the faces of our friends. We pray that your shalom, your perfect peace will cover them and us today as we walk in your truth. Help us to speak the truth to each other in love. In Jesus' name. Amen.

This year we focus our Every Day with Jesus readings on Jesus’ story. With references to Tallowood's Read Through the Bible in 2018 daily reading plan, let's focus our undivided attention on Jesus and follow where he lead. He will not fail. Neither will we!
Joyfully,
Duane

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