by Pastor Patrick Cho

With the dawn of a new year, I recently thought about the church and what my greatest burdens are for this congregation. During this time of reflection, I came across 3 John 4, which states, “I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth.” This verse aptly summed up my heart. My burden and great desire for the church is that the members would be walking well in the truth. Just like a loving parent wants the very best for his children, I understand that God is the very best — the greatest and sweetest pursuit — for our members.

The Apostle John is writing to his friend Gaius and gives examples of his faithfulness:

1. The first way Gaius demonstrates that he is walking in the truth is through his love for the brethren, co-laborers of John who are doing the work of the gospel. John makes a general statement of his acts of love, “whatever you accomplish for the brethren,” which implies that his acts of service were many and various. What is notable about Gaius’s hospitality was that it was provided to strangers. Of course, many would gladly care for friends who stop by for rest on a long journey, but Gaius cared for those he did not know. This provision and care for the brethren flowed out of his love for the Savior.
2. The second way Gaius demonstrates walking in the truth is seen in John’s exhortation to imitate what is good (v. 11). John warns him against evil reminding him that those who are of God do good. This is consistent with the Lord’s instruction in the Sermon on the Mount that a tree is known by its fruit (Matt. 7:17-20). Every person who is truly in Christ will do the things that are fitting with the gospel. But the one who persistently walks in evil without repentance “has not seen God.” John gives this warning to Gaius to encourage him to continue in the things he is already doing. Besides in the final greeting (v. 15), this is the only command in the letter.

As a pastor, I am often in the unique position of knowing much of what our members struggle with. I am aware of the conflicts, various sins, doubts, and struggles that beset our members’ lives. In my prayers, I ask the Lord to bring our people to a place of spiritual strength and health. It is always difficult to hear that one of our members is not doing well. But there is great joy in hearing about our members who are growing and thriving, seeking to live out God’s truth with faithfulness and perseverance. In this new year, may we all strive to set the best goals of pursuing Christ, that we might have more of Him and less of the world.