Begin with 2 minutes of silence and stillness before God.

Ok, let's be honest: the church is full of personalities. You've probably noticed. Some folks are an absolute joy, others… well, let's just say they make sanctification feel like a full-contact sport. And then there are those rare few who shine like gems. Third John, with a mere 219 words, introduces us to three of them: Gaius, Diotrephes, and Demetrius. And believe me, you've met people like them before.

A Joy – Gaius

You know that person who just makes you breathe easier when they walk into the room? That's Gaius. John loved him because he not only studied God's Word, he actually lived it. Picture the friend who doesn't just binge-watch Bible studies on YouTube but also shows up to help you move a couch on a Saturday. That's Gaius.

John said Gaius even opened his home to traveling missionaries. For us, that could look like hosting a House Church, or maybe just sharing your lasagna with a hungry neighbor. Either way, Gaius reminds us that following Jesus isn't just about knowing the truth, but about doing the truth.

A Jerk – Diotrephes

Every church seems to have a Diotrephes. This guy was power-hungry, bossy, and allergic to humility. John describes him as someone who "loves to be first." Translation: Diotrephes wanted his name on the bulletin, the building, and probably the coffee mugs, too.

We've all met people like this at church, work, and even family gatherings. (Yes, Aunt Linda, I'm talking about your iron grip on Thanksgiving dinner.) The problem with Diotrephes wasn't just his ego; he pushed people away from Christ by making church about himself. The lesson? Don't be that person. Nobody needs more jerks in their life… least of all in church.

A Jewel – Demetrius

Then we meet Demetrius. He's not flashy, not loud, but everyone agrees: this guy's life reflects Jesus. John says his reputation lined up with the truth itself. That's high praise. Proverbs puts it this way: "A good name is more desirable than great riches" (22:1).

Think of someone whose name instantly brings a smile. They're consistent, trustworthy, and encouraging. That's a jewel. Becoming one doesn't happen overnight; it's built through integrity, kindness, and small, faithful choices repeated over years.

So What About You?

In 3 John, we meet a joy, a jerk, and a jewel. The reality is, most of us carry a little bit of all three. Some days we're encouraging and generous. Other days, we're selfish and crabby. But with God's Spirit shaping us, we can grow into people for whom others are genuinely thankful.

Take a quick self-check today. Are you living like Gaius—walking in truth and showing hospitality? Are there traces of Diotrephes, fighting to be first or clinging to control? Or are you becoming a Demetrius, a jewel with a good name? The church already has enough jerks. Let's aim to be joys and jewels instead.

Take two minutes to reflect in silence.

Reflection:

Use the S.O.A.P. Method to study God’s Word.

• SCRIPTURE: What stands out to you in today’s passage?
• OBSERVATION: What is this text saying? What is the context? How does it fit with the verses before and after it? Are there any commands, instructions, or promises?
• APPLICATION: How can you apply this verse to your life? What does this mean today? What is God saying to you?
• PRAYER: Respond to the passage in prayer. Ask God to help you apply this truth to your life and spend some time listening to what He may be telling you.

James Weekly Verse Challenge

Want to go beyond just reading God's Word? Want to take action? As we study the Book of James in the "Faith That Works" message series, we encourage you to do more than read the theme verse. Each week, we challenge you to memorize the verse and put it into action. Beginning Monday, October 6, we will text the weekly verse on a downloadable wallpaper on Monday mornings. Download the mobile wallpaper to your phone and memorize the weekly verse as you strive to live it daily. 

Text "JAMES" to 601-299-4493 to receive each week's theme verse.