“Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.”– 3 John 1:11 (KJV)
“Dear friend, don’t let this bad example influence you. Follow only what is good. Remember that those who do good prove that they are God’s children, and those who do evil prove that they do not know God.”– 3 John 1:11 (NLT)
“Friend, don’t go along with evil, but stick with what is good. The one who does good is godly; the one who does evil has not seen God.”– 3 John 1:11 (MSG)
What Does 3 John 1:11 Mean?
As we come to grapple with the meaning of 3 John 1:11, we find ourselves at an intersection of morality and spiritual insight. This verse acts as a gentle yet firm reminder that our choices reveal our understanding of God. It starts with “Beloved,” addressing us warmly, inviting a sense of community and relationship. It is not merely about right and wrong but also about alignment with God’s character. When we do good, we are reflecting God’s nature. Conversely, when we choose evil, we show a disconnect from Him.
This scripture emphasizes that our identities as children of God are evident in the good we pursue in our lives. It highlights the notion that goodness comes from a relationship with God. It isn’t simply about avoiding wrong; it’s also about actively seeking to do good. In essence, we are encouraged to focus on uplifting actions and thoughts, leaving behind anything associated with wrongdoing. This verse requires us to ask ourselves: Are we following what is good? Who are we allowing to influence our decisions? Such questions connect us deeper with our daily choices and how they reflect our faith.
3 John 1:11 Explanation and Commentary
Let’s break down the essence of 3 John 1:11 more thoroughly. The apostle John, the author of this letter, addresses the recipient, Gaius, with affection and a direct charge regarding moral conduct. In doing so, John serves an essential role as both a mentor and a guide for Gaius. The line, “follow not that which is evil,” is not merely a reprimand; it serves as a sincere appeal to consciousness. We must understand that the term “evil” correlates directly with choices that are harmful to ourselves and others.
The words “but that which is good” take us to the lush fields of encouragement where we are called to engage in actions that reflect love, kindness, and truth. Goodness has a unique ability to inspire and uplift all those around us. In choosing goodness, we reside in a space where God’s love flows freely without restriction. This charge is strongly supported by other portions of the Scripture that teach us about the virtues of kindness and charity (as seen in 1 John 4:7).
John’s pronouncement that “he that doeth good is of God” provides us with profound insight. This declaration isn’t a mere statement of fact; it entails a sense of belonging and identity. By doing good, we express that we are children of God and participate in the family of believers united in Christ (Galatians 5:22-23 references the fruits of the Spirit, underscoring the significance of a life lived in goodness).
Conversely, the phrase “he that doeth evil hath not seen God” speaks volumes about spiritual blindness. It warns us that those entrenched in wrongdoings are separated from the truth of God’s presence. If we allow ourselves to practice evil, we also risk losing sight of God’s love and grace in our lives. Such actions create a barrier between us and our true nature as children of God, producing consequences that can ripple through every aspect of our lives.
Context of 3 John 1:11
To understand 3 John 1:11 accurately, we must delve into the context surrounding it. John writes this brief letter as a means of encouragement while concurrently addressing emerging problems in the Church at the time. Gaius is praised for walking in truth and showing hospitality toward traveling teachers — a vital role for sustaining the early Church. Yet, the letter also warns against deception and people who do not support the spread of truth (3 John 1:9-10).
This context reveals why John stresses the need for individuals to be aware of their influences and choices. He was living in an era filled with false teachings and misleading leaders, and his exhortation serves as a critical reminder that we must remain vigilant. This awareness is applicable today as we face similar challenges in a world filled with differing messages and values. By following the good, we counteract the noise of the evil we encounter around us.
John’s affectionate yet earnest tone echoes throughout the letter. He is not writing to criticize but instead to protect. So, when he says to “follow not that which is evil,” we must see this not just as a prohibition, but as a loving directive toward spiritual health. It serves as advice that compels us to look deeper into our choices while also nurturing our personal relationship with God.
As we reflect on our context today, we might consider how society often places undue pressure to conform to negative behavior. Yet John encourages us to rise above this, maintaining our distinct identity as children of light. He calls us to reaffirm our dedication to goodness, emphasizing its link to an authentic relationship with God.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of 3 John 1:11
When examining the key parts of this verse, we start with the word “beloved.” This term creates an atmosphere of warmth, reinforcing the loving relationship John has with Gaius and the readers. It commands attention, urging us to listen attentively to what follows. The instruction to “follow not that which is evil” serves as a stark reminder of our tendencies as humans to sometimes misunderstand or ignore righteousness. Hence, John’s tone is important; he bridges a relationship filled with compassion while challenging us toward growth.
The contrast in the verse, where good is juxtaposed with evil, allows us to pause and think deeply about the significance of our choices. “Follow” suggests that this is an active process, urging us to pursue goodness intentionally. We aren’t passive witnesses; rather, we must engage with our surroundings, choose our influences, and actively participate in the goodness that God champions.
The phrase “he that doeth good is of God” serves as a hallmark. It not only speaks of character and identity but also invites us into the expanded community of believers who follow Christ and embody His goodness. Isn’t it heartening to imagine ourselves as part of this family? It is a reminder that our actions emanate from our faith and that we have the ability to affect our community positively.
On the flip side, the statement “he that doeth evil hath not seen God” creates an important introspection. It poses a question: Have we truly seen God if we allow ourselves to be influenced by evil? This moment gives us pause to evaluate our lives and motivates us to seek deeper understanding and connection with God. It encourages us to seek the goodness that not only enriches our lives but brings God to the forefront of our actions.
Lessons to Learn From 3 John 1:11
As we glean insights from this verse, several lessons emerge that we can cherish and apply to our lives. One crucial lesson is the emphasis on social and personal responsibility. The call to pursue goodness and reject evil shows us that our choices extend beyond ourselves; they affect those around us. Our actions have the power to uplift others or lead them astray.
Developing a disciplined approach toward goodness means being vigilant about what we allow to influence us. This speaks to the importance of community and fellowship (as found in 1 John 4:11), where we are encouraged to support one another in our faith journey. We should engage with those who inspire and uplift us while downplaying negative influences and distractions in our lives.
The connection between doing good and knowing God underlines that our relationship with Him is inherently active. It’s not a stagnant connection; engaging in goodness leads us into deeper communion with our Creator. This principle highlights the notion that genuine faith will naturally overflow into our everyday choices, prompting us to reflect God’s heart in all we do.
Additionally, 3 John 1:11 serves as a powerful reminder of the responsibility we have to share truth and goodness among each other. Individual growth in faith often requires mutual encouragement. Thus, we must empower one another by sharing kindness, standing against negativity and falsehoods, and keeping each other accountable along our spiritual journeys.
Ultimately, the lessons drawn here cause us to examine our hearts. Let us consistently ask ourselves how our choices align with representing Christ in our lives. How can we actively live out goodness? The richness of this verse leads us not just to personal introspection but outwards, ultimately promoting growth and blessing within our communities.
Final Thoughts
3 John 1:11 challenges us profoundly, forcing us to confront our choices while inviting us into a greater realization of our identities as children of God. Through John’s earnest guidance, we learn to focus on goodness, reflecting on the source that fuels our actions. It compels us to build better relationships and be mindful of our influences while standing firm in our faith.
As we close our exploration, let us remember that following what is good brings us closer to God. It initiates a cycle of support, creative love, and an abiding purpose in our lives. Henceforth, may we embrace the lessons learned and choose to uplift our communities through unyielding faith and goodness.
For further exploration of teachings from the book of John, you can read more on 1 John 5:1 or learn the importance of love in 1 John 4:21. Your journey in faith continues to grow as you seek out the goodness God has to offer in each of His teachings.