In reflecting on the little letter of 3 John I concluded that an appropriate title for the book would be, Against Self-Love.
It’s true, there is a healthy love of self, for Jesus Christ said to love your neighbor as yourself in Matthew 22:39. An excessive love of self, however, is destructive to the Christian life and the Christian Church. Everyone knows this, yet many are ensnared in its web.
The late V.R. Edman wrote in one of his books, “Tradition tells us that David kept a shepherd’s staff beside his throne to remind him of his humble service as a shepherd, from which he had been exalted to become king over his people.”
Diotrephes, referred to in 3 John 9-10, was not like David. He loved to have the preeminence among the Christians John wrote to in 3 John. And He didn’t want anyone to show hospitality to any visitors without his permission. He also gossiped maliciously about John. Anyone who didn’t toe the line he excommunicated from the church.
As you read this brief letter note John’s strong condemnation of self-love and his challenge to become like Demetrius who had a good report from everyone.
In his closing comments he makes it clear that he is looking forward to visiting them, speaking face to face. And then he makes this statement: “Greet the friends there by name.” Knowing someone’s name and greeting them by name lets them know they are important to you. It takes effort, but it is an expression of love. And it is always appreciated. I’m sure you agree. It feels good when someone addresses you by name, right?
