When I was active duty in the US Coast Guard, I learned a lot of really important lessons. From the very beginning, my fellow service members and I were instructed on the importance of loyalty. We were to show constant allegiance to each other, the service, and our nation through our actions and words. To be faithful to our mission.

Loyalty is correlated to faithfulness.

3 John 5 states “Dear friend, you demonstrate faithfulness by whatever you do for the brothers (even though they are strangers).” (NET)

I know about as much Greek as the next guy, but I do know how to reference Stong’s Concordance, and I really enjoy these sorts of deep dives. In this verse, we have the word pistos (πιστός). This word literally means loyalty to faith, and typically refers to believing the faith God imparts. In this sense, Gaius’ loyalty to the faith compels him to serve others (the brothers) in action and word (works).

Again, I do understand the author of this letter to be the Apostle John and so as far as we know, Gaius is second generation. Jesus taught John, John taught Gaius. For John, his faith was rooted firmly in his first hand experience with Jesus. Jesus lived with him, ate with him, did ministry with him. John saw Jesus miracles, received His teaching and listened to His sermons. He experienced the crucifixion and resurrection.

John is commending Gaius faith, which is demonstrated through his works. Considering the authors brother James, we are reminded that faith without works is dead (James 2:14-26). Not only was Gaius’ faith rooted in truth, he was living according to the truth!

It’s always overflow. Always.

We too should seek to be loyal to faith, and in this sense to God. Fully committed to the truth of Christs Gospel, and to God’s mission.

He is saving sinners, as he saved us.

Through faith alone, in Christ alone.

We are His co-laborers. We respond to His love and kindness, in many ways. According to this scripture, one commendable way is to show generosity to our brothers and sisters, missionaries and fellow disciple makers.

They may do things different than us. They may have different theological perspectives, or denominational creeds. They may be complete strangers to us in the flesh, but not in the spirit. We should seek unity in Gods mission despite our differences. We should seek unity in our Churches, communities and regions. We should be rooted in truth, and live according to the truth.

God will work through us in overflow.

We must remain loyal to our faith. Christ will return again, and soon.

Peace be with you.