Imagine you have a job to do. No, more specifically, you have an unique opportunity that is before you. Maybe it deters from normalcy, and even causes interruption from your daily life or job. Perhaps it will require sacrifice, of time and money.

How do you weigh its worth?

In 3 John, the person Gaius is presented with little details. We know he is likely Greek, and it is obvious that he is a faithful Christian and friend of John. He is commended for living (walking) according to the truth. His works (that overflowed from his faith) include his generosity and love.

“They have testified to your love before the church. You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God.” 3 John 6

I want to highlight 3 points:

1. Love should be attestable.
2. It is good to be generous.
3. Some actions can be worthy of God.

Gaius has helped the brothers before, and when he did, it was in genuine love. They testified to this extent before their home or sending church. He didn’t help them out of arrogance or in some selfish ambition. We do not know the specifics, but we can assume from a cultural or historical perspective, that he invited them into his home, fed them and cared for their needs. He probably provided them a gift offering in the form of financial support and ensured they had whatever supplies they needed. It can be assumed that these early missionaries traveled like Christ had commanded, as recorded in Luke’s Gospel. No money bag, no extra clothes or supplies, no extra sandals, and without wasting much time. In this way they were required to rely on Gods provision.

Yes, there are miracles where God provides without an intermediary, or a specific person. I call these manna miracles. Where God directly intervenes. Although amazing, these situations are not the normative means in which God provides. Most often it is through His people.

The brothers traveled, God moved in Gaius to compel him in faith to provide for these strangers. That’s a love worth testifying.

Second, when we give in love, we “do well” to do so generously. This is good for us, we benefit. There is lots to be said here, but simply put, God loves lavishly. Don’t forget John 3:16! He doesn’t hold back. He’s all in. That is what He expects from us. When we are generous we model the heart of Christ. We become more Christ like. We cooperate with the work He is doing in us, and we show the world. This is Christian love, like what is written in John 13:

34 “I give you a new commandment—to love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. 35 Everyone will know by this that you are my disciples—if you have love for one another.”

(for more, read this article by Sam Storms on Christian love)

Third, when we are genuine in faith, we are genuine in love, and that is how we act in a manner worthy of God. That is how He gets the glory.

He does the work in us, through us, for us… and that gives Him glory. We don’t earn points to get into heaven.

If I am without faith, I can still be remarkably nice and generous – but that is self serving and sinful – not worthy of God. Likewise, if I am filled with genuine faith, but in my flesh do something self serving, it is sinful.

Check your faith. Pray for Christs heart to love one another.

Peace be with you.