Simple Acts Of Love Go A Long Way

In John’s third epistle, the apostle commended Gaius for his simple acts of love and kindness. It impressed John because he heard about it from the traveling teachers who received it.

Some of the traveling teachers recently returned and made me very happy by telling me about your faithfulness and that you are living according to the truth. 3 John1:3

I’m sure Gaius didn’t extend these acts of love and kindness for recognition from John. God justly rewards us when we observe His mandates. But it feels good when others recognize them.

Let’s look at the context in which John made this commendation. When men and women who ministered the gospel traveled through this town, Gaius received them with loving hospitality.

What made these acts of love unique? Gaius didn’t know them but still offered them his hand of fellowship. Upon hearing the news of his acts of love toward them, John acted like a proud papa.

I could have no greater joy than to hear that my children are following the truth. 3 John 1:4

At that time, John had outlived the other apostles, and he still valued the mandate of the Great Commission. For the church to make disciples of all nations it needed teachers willing to travel.

Other writers of the New Testament reported false teachers of the gospel infiltrating the church. Even though Gaius didn’t know them, he willingly took a chance and treated them as friends.

Dear friend, you are being faithful to God when you care for the traveling teachers who pass through, even though they are strangers to you. 3 John 1:5

For these teachers to brag about Gaius’ hospitality, he must have treated them like royalty. Along with feeding them, he probably gave them lodging for the night.

Take Your Acts of Love to a New Level

John not only wanted to compliment Gaius, but he also wanted to turn it into a teaching moment.

Therefore, the apostle exhorted him to take his acts of love and kindness to another level.

They have told the church here of your loving friendship. Please continue providing for such teachers in a manner that pleases God. 3 John 1:6

A more modern version translates that last statement a little plainer. It says, “Now if you would be so kind, send them on their way with a generous gift. In a manner that would honor God.”

According to the teachers, Gaius’ acts of kindness and love completely overwhelmed them. But does love always think of the ongoing needs of others? John wanted them to think in those terms.

With him adding that statement, he probably wanted the church in general aware of that fact. When people called of the Lord step out in faith, God uses other people to meet their needs.

For they are traveling for the Lord, and they accept nothing from people who are not believers. So we ourselves should support them so that we can be their partners as they teach the truth. 3 John 1:7-8

We can take a lesson from both sides of this story. When God speaks to you about giving to those in ministry, obey Him by meeting their present need. But also look past the obvious.

Ask God what you can do to supply for any upcoming needs. Let your acts of love and kindness reflect God’s answer. If you sense a need but it doesn’t seem clear to you, ask them.

A traveling minister may have bigger needs than you can’t provide, and that’s fine. Pray with them for God, through His provision, to meet their need.

Our Personal Experiences

On the other side, if someone helps you or gives into your ministry. Accept it. But accept it humbly and graciously. Don’t ever take an attitude of entitlement that people owe you.

Early in our marriage, my wife and I along with our first son traveled as full-time evangelists. A couple of years later, while still serving as evangelists, we had our second son. We lived totally by faith.

With the birth of our second son, we started to pull a camper. I did have a concern about breaking down in the middle of nowhere. Thankfully, we only had a couple of mechanical issues.

And each time, God met our needs through godly people and their acts of love and kindness. Let me share an incident that happened with our first camper.

In late Spring, we left Pennsylvania to do Kid’s Crusades in Northern New England for the summer. We pulled that camper over the mountains and the hills throughout its three states.

At summer’s end, we returned to my hometown, where we would park for a few weeks. With only ten miles to go, in the middle of nowhere, one of the tires came off the rim.

I took the lug nuts off, someone stopped and asked if they could help. He took me to the town about three miles away. I had the tire put back on the rim, and someone else brought me back.

After putting the wheel back on, when I pulled out, it came off again. This time, someone else stopped, helped me, and took me back. I bought a used tire, and that person continued to help me.

Acts of Love From Grandma Ginny

Let me tell you what I learned through that incident and others: God is always our source. Through His acts of mercy and grace, He ignites us to show love and kindness to others.

I could tell you stories of how the Lord sparked us into acts of love by helping others. Even when we gave out of our need, He always provided for us.

Let me close with one last story of a very precious, godly woman. We called her grandma Ginny. She lived in a row home in Baltimore.

One day, she sent me to the store with money and asked me to get ten quarts of oil.

She didn’t have a car, but I did what she asked me to do. When I returned, she gave five quarts to my friend and her nephew and five quarts to me. The next day, we headed to our next meeting.

While going up a mountain road, our engine began to knock really loud. I pulled over to check the oil and found the dipstick completely dry.

Grandma Ginny did what John encouraged Gaius to do. This woman of God knew when God spoke to her, and that day, she heard from Him. She obeyed Him and took care of our future need.

Lord, use us with simple acts of love to bless others. And thank you when others have shown love and kindness to us in our times of need.