Read: 3 John 1:7-8
In his 3rd letter, the Apostle John compliments Gaius’ hospitality to fellow Christians traveling through town.
Leaving home for parts unknown can be scary. Strangers in strange places put us on high alert. Muggings, physical attacks, and even murder fill our headlines, and we’re grateful when people simply “keep to themselves.”
But Gaius would have none of that. He opened his home to strangers who, like himself, were followers of the Way (the name pagans gave what we would call today the “Jesus Movement.”) Gaius and others opened their homes, provided food, and filled every traveler’s need they could. No wonder pagans commented, “See how they love one another.”
It was the early Christians who found unwanted babies who had been left to die in the elements, took them in, and nurtured them. It was the early Christians who stretched “hospitality” into the first “hospitals” where they tended the sick that others couldn’t or wouldn’t care for. Schools were born in monasteries. In fact, we can trace most of what our “better angels” do today to our Christian forbears like Gaius.
The church, the Body of Christ on earth, continues the good work begun over 2000 years ago. Missionary societies, crisis pregnancy centers, soup kitchens and more continue in Gaius’ footsteps.
Ours is a blessed heritage of outrageous love. May it continue until the last day!
Dear Jesus, help us show Your love in our words and deeds. As we tend to the needs of your flock may others discover what we’re doing and seek to know You more.
