St. John told Gaius to “demonstrate fidelity” (3 Jn 5) by showing real love through helping and supporting the missionaries John had sent to Gaius’ church (3 Jn 6, 8). To do this would cost Gaius not only time and money but also his reputation (see 3 Jn 10) and his membership in his local church. This is because Diotrephes, the leader of Gaius’ church, threatened to excommunicate anyone who accepted John’s missionaries (3 Jn 10).

To obey the Lord, to show real love, to remain faithful and loving, to love the Church (Eph 5.25), and to support our brothers and sisters in Christ and the mission work of the Church sometimes results in our being persecuted, slandered, and rejected. Are we so committed to our brothers and sisters in Christ that we will suffer anything rather than be unfaithful to that commitment? Do we love each other so much that we will lay down our lives for one another? (1 Jn 3:16; Jn 15:13) Let us love and suffer as Jesus loved and suffered. Will we show real love?

(Source: One Bread, One Body booklet, Presentation Ministries)