“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth” (4). John was filled with joy because he heard about Gaius practical faithfulness. He commended Gaius especially for showing generous hospitality to those believers who left their homes “for the sake of the Name” – in a time when travel was dangerous (7). John encouraged others to show hospitality “so that we may work together for the truth” (8). In contrast, Diotrephes spread malicious rumors, refused to welcome those spreading God’s Word, and stopped others from doing so (9-10).

“Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good” (11). John urges us to imitate mature, sacrificial believers whose entire lives match their beliefs.