Beloved, Imitate What Is Good

This meditation is based on a passage for May 14, 2011 in the Daily Lectionary Year 1 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).

Text: 3 John

Reflection and Question: This personal letter of appreciation gives us a hint of tension building in the fledgling Christian community. Apparently, another leader near Gaius has refused hospitality to a colleague of the writer, which suggests a rejection of their teaching as well. In contrast, John emphasizes Gaius’ faithfulness to the truth and encourages him, “Beloved, do not imitate what is evil but imitate what is good.” Even as we all seek what is good and true, differences in understanding can often block our path. These roadblocks have been present from the very beginning of the Church. What is true and good for you in Christ?

Prayer: Holy Spirit of God who is love, You see into our hearts and know we all yearn to imitate what is good and true. And yet we differ on what these mean so that the Church suffers. Grant us the peace that passes all our limited understanding. Amen.