December 13, 2025 - 3 John

Among those to whom John wrote, there was this Diotrephes, who refused to acknowledge John’s apostolic authority and who was dismissive of the brothers who had been welcomed.  On the other hand, there was Demetrius, whose life and example received a good testimony from everyone.  And so, John writes, “Beloved, do not imitate evil but imitate good” (vs. 11).  Do not imitate Diotrephes, but imitate Demetrius.  God puts examples before us, good and holy people, to show us the way we should live.

Walk in the light! and you will know

That fellowship of love

His Spirit only can bestow,

Who reigns in light above.

Walk in the light! and sin, despised,

Shall never rule again;

The blood of Jesus Christ, your Lord,

Shall cleanse from ev’ry stain.

Walk in the light! and you will find

A heart made truly his,

Who dwells in cloudless light enshrined

In whom no darkness is.   -- Bernard Barton (1826)