Christian Devotional - Love, part 4

Sharing and hospitality.



These are two key ideas that go hand in hand when it comes
to love. As we finish up our series on love for this month, John discusses the
importance of sharing what we’ve learned.



2 John 10-13 “If anyone comes to you and does not bring this
teaching, do not take them into your house or welcome them. Anyone who welcomes
them shares in their wicked work. I have much to write to you, but I do not want
to use paper and ink. Instead, I hope to visit you and talk with you face to
face, so that our joy may be complete. The children of your sister, who is
chosen by God, send their greetings.”



The first week we talked about how to love. The second week
was about the definition of love. Last week we looked at imitation love. This
week we look at how and when to share love.



Since John has just finished talking about those people who
are imitators and deceivers when it comes to the teaching of Jesus and His
love, the verses here start out telling us to not be hospitable to people who
are imitators and deceivers of love. This sounds logical, but in this culture
at this time, hospitality was a mandate and people were judged on the quality
of their hospitality. John telling them not to entertain someone was a BIG
deal. He wants people to understand that the things you allow in your house
will ultimately come to define who you are. If we allow deceit and false
teaching into our house to reside, then ultimately that will be what comes to
define us.



John makes such a stark contrast between what our
hospitality should be like with the deceivers and with himself or other
believers. John indicates that when he comes to fellowship and share with them,
then their joy will be complete. John knows that because of love, the sharing and
hospitality that goes with the love is to be like family. It is to bring joy
and harmony and love between all parties as they share the love of Jesus.



We are certainly to share the love of Jesus with everyone.
However, we’re not to take in those who are trying to persuade us to a false
love or imitation love. We must recognize that sharing the love of Christ makes
for complete joy. Are you experiencing complete joy in your relationships with
others? Are those relationships based on the love of Jesus Christ?



Kristi Burchfiel, Christian devotional author and speaker

Living in the World – Living out the Word

Check out my website and daily devotions either on my blog or on my Facebook pagewww.BooksByAmanda.com