Love and Truth

imageThe weather has been nicer today in Atlanta…better than the colder temps back home. I have made it safely to the airport and am awaiting my return flight to Denver.

This morning we returned to school to meet Mason for lunch. I’ve noticed that in a cafeteria with a couple of hundred elementary children, ear protection is advised!

This has been a good trip and I have plans to return next month. Mason will be involved in a tournament during that time. After last night’s game I took a picture with Mason in his uniform. Mckenzie wanted to be included as well.

Considering some of my days before this trip, I’m pleased that I have felt as good as I have.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God.  3 John 11

John in his letters repeated puts out the call and challenge to “love one another.” The reason for this becomes clear in his third and final letter. There were some who were not “living in love” or in truth. False teaching and rejection of others, even John himself, were evident in those in positions of leadership and influence.

John contrasts two men. The first Gaius he commends in these words, “…you are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers and sisters, even though they are strangers to you. They have told the church about your love. Please send them on their way in a manner that honors God.”  3 John 5,6

Gaius was showing God’s love and acceptance to others, even strangers   in need of hospitality. As a result, reports of his kindness were being shared with others.

Diotrephes, stood in sharp contrast, “…Diotrephes, who loves to be first, will not welcome us….spreading malicious nonsense about us. Not satisfied with that, he even refuses to welcome other believers. He also stops those who want to do so and puts them out of the church.”  3 John 9,10

Diotrephes, in contrast demonstrates an arrogance and judgmental attitude. He rejects and slanders the Apostle, doesn’t accept other believers and punishes those who do. He believed he had an exclusive “truth” that directed his life and behaviors.

When John writes and says, “I delight when my children walk in the truth..” I’m sure Diotrephes was on his mind. Here is not just an individual but a leader who is working at odds against what Christ called us to. John even addresses a growing false teaching about Jesus that was evident in his day.

It seems Diotrephes, perhaps like many today, believed he had a greater understanding of “truth” than even the Apostle John. But his “truth” lead to arrogance and rejection of other.

Perhaps that is why John in his gospel mentions Jesus came in “grace and truth.” Perhaps that is why John focuses on “love and truth” in his letters.

We still see these contrasting attitudes today. Our challenge is to live a life of “love, grace and truth.” Some believe that “truth” leads to rejection and slander of others. Living in love does not require a compromise of truth. Jesus showed the way. He came full of “grace and truth.” (John 1:14)