For the Sake of the Name

“Dear friend, you are faithful in what you are doing for thebrothers, even though they are strangers to you. They have told the churchabout your love. You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthyof God. It was for the sake of the Name that they went out, receiving no helpfrom the pagans. We ought therefore to show hospitality to such men so that wemay work together for the truth” (3 John 5-8).

We do not see this passage quoted often. I want to bring itto your attention because of all of the hospitality I have received, eventhough I was a stranger to some of those who showed me hospitality. We havetaken in strangers, too. Those who went out for the sake of the Namehave always been a great blessing to us. Others we have taken in for the sakeof the Name. Some of them have stolen from us, some keep coming back formore monetary help, some have just disappeared, and some have been a greatblessing.

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the propertime we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we haveopportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong tothe family of believers” (Galatians 6:9-10).

This post coordinates with today's reading in the Tothe Word! Bible Reading Challenge. If you are not in a daily reading plan,please join us at TotheWord.com. We would love to have you reading with us.

How To Be Free From Bitterness and other essays on Christian relationships