Therefore, if I come, I will call attention to the deeds he is doing—the bringing of unjustified charges against us with evil words! And not being content with that, he not only refuses to welcome the brothers himself, but hinders the people who want to do so and throws them out of the church! 3 John 10 NET

The last time I remember being falsely accused, it was by a colleague. They claimed that I gave special privilege to a junior member of the department, that I was doing so because we had a shared faith and attended the local church together. The individual claimed I came preferential treatment to this other, and was bias towards anyone that was not Christian. It hurt a lot. I have always sought to be a servant leader, who promotes equality and values diversity. Was it true? Of course, in part. We have a deep spiritual bond as Christian brothers. Wasn’t I supposed to do good to all, especially the household of faith?

It wasn’t that I truly gave him any extra benefit, He had the same job to do as any other. But others saw we had a different relationship. We were devoted to each other in Christ. I was willing to sacrifice for him. 1 John 3:16 justifies this: “This is how we have come to know love: He laid down His life for us. We should also lay down our lives for our brothers.”

Now a word of caution

Just because something is right, holy and good – we do not have the right to embrace apathy towards others experiences, emotions or perspective. Let me be clear: I am not saying we conform to this world, or seek to please any will other than Gods. What I am saying is that when we by our new nature in Christ, offend others who are in the flesh, we should seek to participate with God as His ambassadors in the ministry of reconciliation.

When accused we should respond in truth.

John is being wrongfully accused by Diotrephes, who is bringing wrong charges and speaking evil words about John. Diotrephes is causing division, and he is abusing his own power and influence. He is working against Gods mission. John doesn’t seek to respond by ignoring his actions. He doesn’t desire to argue, or fight with Diotrephes. He wants to call his actions to attention. Truthfully, John loves his brother and hopes to bring his sins to attention, for church discipline, and ultimately for reconciliation.

In Matthews Gospel we see how a Christian should seek to restore a brother.

Matthew 18

15 If your brother sins against you go and confront him privately. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. 16 But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, regard him as you would a pagan or a tax collector. ( see also Deuteronomy 19:15–21)

Certainly, in my example, this individual was not a Christian. I know I “am not greater than my master” Christ, and so I should EXPECT hatred or persecution. For John, Diotrephes SHOULD be a brother, and to this extent John will seek to be reconciled. We should act likewise, and when we see those that are in Christ who are not living according to the truth, we should seek to call their actions to attention, not for the purpose of shaming them but for the purpose of winning them back into the family.

Peace be with you.