Acts of kindness
Dear friend, you are acting faithfully in whatever you do for the brothers and sisters, especially when they are strangers. They have testified to your love before the church. You will do well to send them on their journey in a manner worthy of God. 3 John 1:5-6 CSB
From the text, John continues to commend Gaius because of his faithful conduct. Not only that Gaius provided an example of a believer walking in the truth but also, he had shown hospitality to traveling missionaries. John heard about this act of kindness from missionaries who received from Gaius. According to the missionaries, he had received them as brothers and sisters and not strangers. He provided them lodging and food though they are not known to him but that they are traveling sharing the gospel. This act of kindness is so important for these missionaries rely on the hospitality of fellow believers. Paul, at one point in his travel, asked Philemon to provide him a place to stay. “…also prepare a guest room for me” (Philemon 1:22). Such practice seemed to be common during the first century. John continues to exhort Gaius to show kindness for traveling missionaries engaged in sharing the gospel. John tells him, “You will do well to send them on their journey in a manner worthy of God” (3 John 1:6). The provision extended to these missionaries is done so God would be praised. Therefore, such act of giving should be done cheerfully for this is how God is honored. “Each person should do as he has decided in his heart—not reluctantly or out of compulsion, since God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7). Whenever God gives us an opportunity to minister in His name by caring for others, let us not hesitate but realize that such act glorifies God. “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us work for the good of all, especially for those who belong to the household of faith” (Galatians 6:10).
Blessings,
Isaac De Guzman
