3 John 1:5-8

Beloved, it is a faithful thing you do in all your efforts for these brothers, strangers as they are, who testified to your love before the church. You will do well to send them on their journey in a manner worthy of God.  For they have gone out for the sake of the name, accepting nothing from the Gentiles.  Therefore we ought to support people like these, that we may be fellow workers for the truth.

The furtherance of the Gospel requires cooperation within the body of Christ.  Everyone has a role to play, and every aspect of the mission is important.  Gaius was a leader in a local church that was given the opportunity to cooperate with missionaries who were striving to advance the Gospel to unreached places.  John encouraged these practices that we too would do well to emulate.

PRACTICE HOPITALITY: The word for hospitality is derived from two words: love and strangers.  Gaius and the church he helped lead were known for their hospitality.  Missionaries who were spreading the Gospel to Gentile nations would pass through this region enroute to the mission destination and needed to be hosted.  The were previously unknown people who were brothers and sisters in Christ.  Believers love one another even if we have never met before; because we are members of the same family and we are striving to further the same mission.  We open our homes and our tables to help the servants of the Lord on their way.    

PRACTICE GENEROSITY: Not only did these missionaries need to be hosted, but they also needed help for their provisions while out on mission.  Since they would not be receiving payment for their services amongst these nations, they needed support from the generosity of God’s people.  The exhortation was to send these servants of God out in a manner that is worthy of God.  They are God’s representatives and our representatives in the nations.  The are going out to life up the name of our Lord and spread the fame of Jesus.  It is an honor to be able to participate in this mission.

PRACTICE SOLIDARITY: We are all part of the same body and are dedicated to the same mission.  As we support missionaries through hospitality and financial contributions, we are literally their fellow workers.  We stand shoulder to shoulder with these precious people and it is a blessing to do so.  Not everyone has the privilege of going out and taking the Gospel to unreached people and places.  However, Jesus taught that when we host and give to those who do; we will receive a similar reward.  It is a great honor to be able to labor together as a body to advance the Gospel.

APPLICATION: Our homes should be open to provide lodging and food to other members of the body of Christ who are advancing the mission of God.  Churches and families must help provide financial support for those who are advancing the Gospel to unreached people and places.  Understand that we are all part of the same body and will participate in the same rewards as long as we are faithful to fulfill our various roles. 

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