Walking in the Truth: A Life of Faithfulness and Service
“1 The elder,
To my dear friend Gaius, whom I love in the truth.
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,[a] 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.”
Apostle John rejoices greatly upon hearing that Gaius is "walking in the truth." The "truth" that John refers to here is the truth of the Gospel, specifically the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Accepting the Gospel is not merely an emotional response, but an important process of decision made with our will and reason. To accept the truth is not simply to agree with it intellectually, but for our lives to be transformed and for our actions to reflect that truth.
When we first accept the Gospel, we often see external changes like a shift in our prayer life, the habit of attending worship, and participation in Sunday services. However, as time passes and we deepen our understanding of the Gospel, we realize that it impacts every area of our lives. The Gospel should be evident in our thoughts, words, actions, and relationships with others as well.
One reason John commends Gaius is because he showed faithfulness to his brothers and sisters in Christ, particularly to itinerant preachers and pastors. These were people who went out for the sake of the Lord's name without the support of the church. Gaius faithfully served them and played an important role in the church. John cites this service as a significant example of living out the truth.
Especially within the church community, loving and caring for one another is at the heart of living in the truth. Walking in the truth is not just about personal spiritual maturity but is demonstrated in the faithful life of working together with those who labor for God's kingdom, helping and encouraging one another. Let us take this message to heart today, and may our church community be filled with prayer, encouragement, and love for one another in the name of the Lord.
Prayer: Lord, may our lives walk in truth faithfully in our journey of faith, growing in maturity and dedication. May our walking in truth be evident in our love for our fellow believers and in our work for the mission of God's kingdom. Let the joy of serving others be manifest in our lives. Amen.
(Note: This summary was created based on an AI draft.)
Devotional content is available on the Our Daily Bread website.