Our scripture this morning is 3 John 1:11 (NLT).
Dear friend, don’t let this bad example influence you. Follow only what is good. Remember that those who do good prove that they are God’s children, and those who do evil prove that they do not know God.
In addition to Revelation and a Gospel, the apostle John wrote three letters emphasizing the need for accepting Christ and living out His love in the world. While the letters are written for different people and situations of that time, they contain timeless lessons regarding our relationship with God and each other.
In this passage he warns about not allowing “this bad example to influence you.” While the letter is addressed to his fellow worker Gaius, he repeats teaching to all of us from his first letter: “And you know that Jesus came to take away our sins, and there is no sin in him. Anyone who continues to live in him will not sin” (1 John 3:5-6).
We may face opposition in bringing Christ’s message of love to the world, but we are not to use worldly methods to fight the good fight. Only by following the example Jesus gave us can we accomplish the work He has set for us – to make disciples of all the world.
Loving Lord, we are sorry for the times we let worldly ways interfere with our call to share Your love. Bless us to go in Your name to proclaim the good news everywhere. Amen.
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