In 3 John, the Apostle John commends Gaius for his faithful hospitality to those who were traveling for the sake of the gospel. John writes, “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” (3 John 5–6, ESV). This small letter paints a vivid picture of what it means to live faithfully for “the sake of the Name” (v. 7).
Hospitality, as seen in Gaius’s example, is not merely about opening your home—it’s about opening your heart to participate in God’s mission. When Gaius welcomed and supported traveling missionaries, he was acting in alignment with the character of God Himself—the God who welcomed us into His family through Christ.
Faithful Churches and Faithful Saints
Reflecting on John’s commendation of Gaius brings to mind the faithfulness of churches that have lived out this calling in my own life. From First Baptist Atlanta to First Baptist Church of Starkville, I’ve experienced firsthand the generosity and encouragement of communities who supported my calling for the sake of the gospel. These churches extended hospitality and encouragement that have shaped my ministry journey, and I am profoundly grateful for their witness. They did not know me, but accepted me, loved my family and me, and allowed us to share our lives with them, and their lives with us. First Baptist Atlanta, the church that sent me out, exemplified this spirit. We were sent out for the sake of the Name and have been graciously received by other churches since.
I’ll never forget the words of Charles Stanley during my ordination charge: “You owe it to us to faithfully follow through with your calling.” At the time, those words carried a weight that was both humbling and inspiring. Stanley’s statement wasn’t about obligation in a negative sense but about the shared joy and responsibility of being part of a faithful community. His words have stayed with me as a reminder that our calling is not just a personal pursuit but a communal one. Just as Gaius’s hospitality honored God and served His kingdom, so too does our faithfulness when we support one another in love and truth.
Hospitality as Witness
Hospitality—whether extended to traveling missionaries, church members, or even strangers—is a tangible expression of God’s love. It’s a way of saying, “You are welcome here because Christ has welcomed me.”
In a world where individualism often reigns, faithful hospitality stands out as a countercultural witness. It invites others into the story of God’s grace and reflects the beauty of the gospel. John’s commendation of Gaius reminds us that even the simplest acts of love—welcoming a stranger, providing a meal, sending someone on their way with encouragement—carry eternal significance when done in the name of Jesus.
The Call to Faithfulness
John contrasts Gaius’s example of faithfulness with Diotrephes, a self-centered leader who put his own interests above the mission of God (3 John 9–10). The difference is striking. Where Gaius lived for the sake of the Name, Diotrephes lived for the sake of his own name. This contrast challenges us to ask: Are we living to make much of Jesus or to make much of ourselves?
In a world filled with Diotrephes, be a Gaius. Better yet, be a Demetrius—a person of good reputation, full of truth, and faithful in love (3 John 12). When we live this way, we reflect the character of the One who first loved us.
Thank You, Lord
As I reflect on the faithfulness of Gaius and the hospitality extended to me by churches over the years, my heart overflows with gratitude. Thank You, Lord, for faithful saints who have modeled what it means to walk in truth and love. May we carry that legacy forward, living for the sake of the Name and sending others on their journey in a manner worthy of You.
Let’s continue to welcome others as Christ has welcomed us, showing the world the love and truth of our Savior—one act of hospitality at a time.