Loving in the truth

3 John 1 The elder to the beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth. Although we don’t know for sure who Gaius is, we do know that he was a leader in a community of believers, he was hospitable, and he was loved by both God and John, the elder. John and Gaius shared the same faith that recognized Jesus as God, incarnate, savior and Lord, who was the source of the love they had for one another. Hospitality to traveling ministers of the gospel is a common theme in both 2nd and 3rd John. There were limitations as to who believers were to invite into their homes and churches. Apparently this became a divisive issue in the churches, so the Spirit of God, moved John through love to write to these churches and give direction and encouragement. We are encouraged again in today’s verse to love in truth for the sake of the truth. We live to love with Jesus because He lives and is presently loving His children through us as He did in John’s day. Here’s what pops into my mind when I think of loving my wife in the truth. Apart from the presence and power of Jesus, I can’t love her for the glory of God. So I love her in complete dependence upon Jesus’ love for her. His love is true, real, consistent, undying, and personal for her. As I think of Jesus’ love for her, I consider His love to be my love for her. Negative thoughts or feelings are not “in the truth.” He doesn’t have negative or hostile thoughts toward any of His children. Therefore, I consider those thoughts to be lies about Christ that I refuse to walk in. I love her in the truth that Jesus loves her in the power of the Holy Spirit for the glory of God. This is how we should love everyone who is a brother or sister in Christ. They are beloved of God and therefore we love them with the love of Jesus in the truth.