We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellow helpers to the truth.
– 3 John 1:8
Thoughts on Today’s Verse…
This verse teaches us that we should receive brothers and sisters who leave home to spread God’s gospel. Bearing God’s commision, they can endure all the suffering for the sake of spreading God’s words and testifying Jesus. They are carrying out God’s will in order for people to gain God’s salvation. All that they do is good and righteous deeds, and the most righteous of mankind. This is completely in accord with God’s intention. If we are able to receive those brothers and sisters with a loving heart, then such doing is in accord with God’s intention. This is working for the truth and God, and is commemorated and blessed by God. The Bible records many examples that man is blessed by God because of receiving the messengers of God. For example, Lot received two angels and was saved by God; The whole household of Rahab the harlot were saved because she received two spies of Israel. From this it is not difficult to see God’s will. God shows much mercy and grace to those who can genuinely receive the messengers of God. Having understood this, then what should we do to be more after God’s will and approved by God?
It says in Sermons and Fellowship on Entry Into Life, “If someone does a good job in receiving others, he can practice the truth in receiving and receive brothers and sisters with a God-loving and God-satisfying heart. As a result, brothers and sisters see God’s love and His mercy toward man, see the likeness of a true person we should live out, and the conscience and reason people should have. Then all people he receives can gain the supply of life from him, see God’s love and the true likeness of man through him, and understand how to be human. He is not a church leader, but others can receive a lot benefits from him. So how well does he perform his duty of receiving? It is completely in accord with God’s intention. Because of pursuing the truth, he who receives others can be mindful of God’s will and has a God-loving heart, and be tolerant and patient toward brothers and sisters. No matter what corruption they reveal, he does not feel aversion but pray to God, and overcome it by relying on God. Moreover, he can fulfill his duty —fellowshiping about the truth and his experiences and testimonies—and benefit others. Thus, it can be seen that he lives out the likeness of a true person. This way, duty he performs is completely in accord with God’s intention. He is someone after God’s heart.”