For I rejoiced greatly when brethren came and testified of the truth that is in you, just as you walk in the truth. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth. —
3 John 3-4
While Gaius was a man who held firmly and joyfully to the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ, he was also living this truth out in a daily walk that mirrored his profession. John rejoices that the truth is in Gaius, and that Gaius is in the truth.3 John 3-4
First, John says of Gaius, the truth is in him. Christianity is a heart- deep religion; a mere profession of faith or performance of duties does not make one a Christian.
As David reminded himself, in his prayer of repentance after straying into hypocrisy, God desires “truth in the inward parts” (Psalm 51:6), not just a shell of outward actions that may convince others. God is not pleased unless the beliefs we are professing are flowing out of a heart that has lovingly and joyfully embraced the truth of God’s Word.
On the other hand, Gaius was not content to only have warm and fuzzy feelings for the truth; he was determined to live its practical implications out in a consistent and complimentary walk.
And, as John points out in his inspired commentary, this is the critical indicator of a genuine faith: “He who does good is of God, but he who does evil has not seen God.” (11).
Is the truth in you? Are you walking in the truth? Has it captivated your heart to the point that it flows over and into the decisions you make and the way you live?
Prayer:
Lord, inspire a genuine faith in me; may I live by the truth.Scriptural Reading:
3 John 1-4
#YearOfWisdom
