To the brethren, and to strangers

3 John 1:5

Beloved, thou doest faithfully whatsoever thou doest to the brethren, and to strangers.

This beloved epistle is written to Gaius, a man that the apostle John said he “loved in the truth.” He was a beloved brother in Christ, a man who struggled from ill health, but had a soul that prospered. Inwardly, he was a strong and stalwart Christian, an exceptionally faithful man. But outwardly, he was weak and sickly at times. This man had a good report, and was commended in this epistle for his character and faithfulness. And here, the great apostle points out that he did faithfully whatsoever he did. There was nothing that this man did that was shady, questionable, or lacking in integrity. He had a constant character and a trustworthy disposition. He was a man that did faithfully whatsoever he did. Whether it was to bless other fellowhelpers in the church, whether it was to encourage a missionary on his way, or whether it was to make a living in the world, he was a faithful man. He did faithfully whatsoever he did to the brethren and to strangers.

To the brethren! Of course he was faithful toward the brethren, and so must we all be. We must bring them on their journey after a godly sort. We must seek to uplift, to help, to assist others in their labor. We must help the poor brothers and sisters as we are blessed of God so to do. We must be truthful, honest, and pure in our dealings and conversations with the brethren. We must treat them as brethren. They must know we are men and women of character, of integrity, and of unwavering commitment to the Lord and to each other. But then, we see that he was faithful in whatsoever he did to strangers also.

Yes, to strangers! Why should our character diminish when we are with strangers? Why should our steadfast integrity ever wane when we find ourselves in the presence of those that are outside the faith. Our character must remain invariable no matter the setting, atmosphere, or environment. We must be who we are—faithful Christians! This quality of faithfulness must be the warp and woof of our being, the fiber of our souls, part and parcel of our lives. Without this faithfulness we have no right to call ourselves after the name of Christ. May God give us a good report of all men, and as Demetrius, of the truth itself! Those that are without must speak as positively of us as those within. Some will mock, some will despise us, and some will falsely accuse, but may no accusation of theirs hold truth! But may we, by our good works, put to silence the ignorance of foolish men. They must be ashamed that falsely accuse our good conversation in Christ! Our light must shine before men, that they may see our good works, and glorify our Father. We must, my friends, be equally faithful to the brethren and to strangers! And then we shall know that, as Gaius, our souls shall be prospering!

“Dear Father, we humbly ask, that as we go about this day, and as we mingle and converse with others, there may be a continual faithfulness that is manifest when we are with the brethren and when we are with strangers. Help us to treat them with the love and care which you exhibited by your perfect and exemplary character. Conform us to your image, we pray, and may we be transformed and changed to be like the Son of God, the Lord Jesus. And it is in His lovely name that we pray, Amen.”