3 John 1

Greeting and Prayer for Gaius

1 Listen, it is the elder writing to my brother Gaius, somebody I truly love because we are connected in the truth.

2 My brother, I am praying that everything in your life goes well and that your body stays healthy, just like your soul is already thriving.

3 Some believers came through and told me how you keep standing on the truth and living it out for real. Man, that brought me serious joy.

4 Nothing makes me happier than hearing that my spiritual children are still walking in the truth.

Supporting Those Who Serve

5 My brother, you stay faithful in how you look out for the believers, even the ones you did not know before they showed up.

6 They told the whole church about the love you showed them. Keep helping people like that on their journey in a way that honors God.

7 They stepped out to serve for the sake of the Name, and they were not out there taking support from people who do not believe.

8 That means we should stand behind workers like them, so we can work together with them for the truth.

Diotrephes Wants the Spotlight

9 I wrote something to the church, but Diotrephes loves being the main man so much that he refuses to receive what we say.

10 So if I come through, I am calling out what he is doing. He runs his mouth with evil accusations about us, and that still is not enough for him. He refuses to welcome the believers, blocks anybody else who wants to help, and even tries to throw them out of the church.

11 My brother, do not copy what is evil; copy what is good. Whoever keeps doing good shows they belong to God, but whoever keeps choosing evil has not truly seen God.

A Good Word About Demetrius

12 Everybody speaks well of Demetrius, and the truth of his life backs up that testimony. We speak well of him too, and you know our testimony is solid.

Final Words

13 I have got plenty more I could tell you, but I do not want to handle all of it with pen and ink.

14 I am hoping to see you real soon so we can sit down and talk face to face.

15 Peace to you. The friends here send their love. Greet each one of our friends there personally for me.