REVIEW
P.S. A Quiet Reminder to Walk in Love and Truth 3 John
Across the three epistles of John, a clear theme emerges: love and truth held together. First John forms the body, while Second and Third John read like a pastoral “PS,” reinforcing and applying those same truths.
In 3 John, John writes to a specific believer, Gaius, and mentions two others—Diotrephes and Demetrius. Each life highlights what it looks like (or doesn’t) to walk in love and truth.
The early church wasn’t institutionalized; believers met in homes, and traveling teachers relied on local hospitality. Gaius is commended for “walking in the truth” and for faithfully supporting these teachers. His generosity reflects God’s own character.
In contrast, Diotrephes rejects authority, refuses hospitality, slanders others, and even pushes out those who seek to do what is right. His life shows how truth without love—or self-interest disguised as truth—distorts the church.
John closes with Demetrius, a man with a good reputation among all—a quiet but powerful picture of a life aligned with both love and truth.
Why name these individuals? Because John’s teaching is not theoretical. Throughout his letters, he calls believers to walk in both love and truth in real situations—especially when someone is in need (1 John 3:17) or drifting into sin (1 John 5:16). In both cases, the starting point is prayer: seeking God’s provision, restoration, and guidance. From there, we remain open to being used by Him—moving not impulsively, but in step with His leading.
This still speaks today. Many carry wounds from the church. There are still “Diotrephes” among us, along with false teaching and harsh, premature judgment. John’s call remains: walk in both love and truth, reflecting the fullness of God’s character with humility toward Him and one another.
“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.”
REMEMBER
The clearest picture of our faith isn’t what we say, but how we walk in love and truth.
REFLECT
- Where do I tend to separate love from truth—leaning toward one while neglecting the other—and how might God be inviting me to hold both together more faithfully?
- When I become aware of someone in need or drifting spiritually, is my first response prayerful dependence on God, or quick action and judgment? What would it look like to pause and follow His lead?
- Which example do I most resemble right now—Gaius (faithful and generous), Diotrephes (self-focused and resistant), or Demetrius (consistently well-regarded)? What is one step I can take to more fully reflect Christ in my relationships?
RESPOND
Father,
You see what is true in me
and what is not yet formed.
Teach me to walk in love and truth together.
Slow my impulse to react—lead me first to prayer.
Give me a heart that reflects Yours:
open, steady, and ready to follow Your lead.
Amen.
RELATE
When you notice someone in need or someone drifting, resist the urge to immediately fix or judge. Instead, take a moment to pray—ask God what’s really needed and how He might want to use you.
Then, stay attentive. If an opportunity opens, take one small, tangible step—send an encouraging message, meet a practical need, or have a gentle, honest conversation.
The goal isn’t to do everything—it’s to respond in a way that reflects both love and truth, led by God rather than impulse.
REHEARSE
I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” 3 John 4
READ
Revisit: 3 John
