Bible Journal Post – 3 John & Psalm 45
Has your week been as crazy busy as mine?!?! Some days, I make my list and schedule for the day and due to unexpected circumstances, NOTHING on that list or schedule is accomplished. Then, I feel frazzled, stressed, and rushed. But, I was reminded through our Bible Reading today, 3 John 1, that my focus needs to be on others! I get so caught up in my world of taking care of my families’ needs, work stress, and keeping a house that I lose focus on Walking in the Truth.
3 John 1:3-4 says, “It gave me great joy when some believers came and testified about your faithfulness to the truth, telling how you continue to walk in it. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.”
We can only know Jesus and share Him with others when we know Him personally and spend intimate time with Him. John tells Gaius in 3 John 1, that he knows that Gaius is walking in the truth because of what he has heard about Gaius’ actions. John praises him because he treats everybody the same. John is not only speaking about what Gaius knows, but about his actions that demonstrate truth. Gaius was not a well known person or a public figure. He seems like he might have been just an ordinary man in his community. But, he simply opened up the doors of his home to others that were traveling through his town. Even though these people were strangers to him he invited them in and was considered a partner in the truth.
3 John1:8 tells us that “We ought therefore to show hospitality to such people so that we may work together for the truth.”
According to dictionary.com, hospitality is 1) the friendly reception and treatment of guests or strangers. 2) the quality or disposition of receiving and treating guests and strangers in a warm, friendly, generous way.
How do you show hospitality to others? I am sure that Gaius, like us, had other events happening in his life that made hosting others stressful. But, he did it anyway.
In this day and age, hospitality might look different.
Of course Facebook these days can be both a blessing and a curse. Yes, there are times that I spend too much time mindlessly scrolling through posts that mean nothing to me and add nothing to my day. But, every now and then I will read a post from fellow brothers and sisters in Christ who are giving their lives on the mission field that is priceless. As I was preparing for this post, I stumbled upon a post from Amy N’Todd Block who are missionaries at Village of Hope in Guatemala. I encourage you to find them on FaceBook and read the post that Amy posted on Thursday of this past week. It is a true definition of hospitality and a demonstration living out the TRUTH.
We may not be missionaries out in the field, but how can we be missionaries here at home in our busy lives and support those around us? Of course, we can help financially support missionaries we know are spreading the Truth and join together with them in their endeavors.
But what about here at home during our daily activities? Sitting at the soccer field watching your children play a game? The baseball field? Grocery shopping? Doctors appointments? Picking up the dry cleaning? Grabbing lunch at a restaurant? Walking the halls at school or work? During your daily walk to get or stay healthy?
I have been impressed with a gal that I pass every morning during my walk on the trail. I am walking with my faithful companion (my dog, Sami), my hat on, head down (so I don’t trip) and ear buds in my ears. I used to not pay attention at all to those who walk by me. This was MY time. But, every morning as this one particular lady passes me, she steps closer to me, smiles hugely, and puts her hand out waving at me with a loud “Good Morning”! The first time I experienced her, I l was shocked because she made me smile and feel happy. Now, I expect it from her and am always ready to smile back and say good morning when we pass. That small act made me so happy that guess what? I have been intentional about getting others attention on my walk and smiling and saying “Good Morning”! I try and see how many people will smile and say good morning back to me! This is hospitality, treating strangers in a warm and friendly way!
The simple smile, a friendly “good morning”, and a little small talk may be the beginning of a relationship where we get to share the Truth! What are others saying about your actions?
Go. Be. Hospitable!