[“...Even though they are strangers to you. They have told the church about your love...”]3 John 1:5-6
Gaius in a Time of Persecution
Late in the first century during the scattering of Christians, we hear of a man named Gaius in the third epistle of John.
The era in which this man lived was not an easy and smooth time for Christians at large. It was a time that many Christians faced persecution, and of course, many movements here and there. Amidst the persecutions, perhaps in the reign of Domitian, Christians were moving from one place to another, seeking safe places to hide their lives. It is in those days that Gaius gets to shine bright.
Lies were rampant, people denying the truth, churches becoming lukewarm, people getting afraid, scared even of each other. Some were backsliding, persecutions were worsening, Christians were renouncing their faith, and the love of many was getting colder, but not Gaius.
The Supernatural Hospitality of Gaius
It is in these times, when it was tough to even notice one another, that Gaius did the supernatural. Yes, supernatural, for many had failed. Diotrephes, though a Christian, was afraid of the visitors. He did not give the visitors a welcome, and he encouraged others to do the same. Many perhaps followed the advice, but not Gaius. Gaius chose to welcome everybody who came his way. He did not choose one and leave the other, no. Even those who were totally strangers later testified to his love. (Vs.5-6)
But why Gaius? Why open arms in a season to close them? Why open hands in the dangerous days? Why open your house at night? Were you not afraid that you could open for an enemy? You probably don’t mind Gaius. Gaius, excuse me, did the number of visitors matter on your side? Did you mind the budget? You probably don’t mind, Gaius.
Hospitality in the Church Today
See Gaius, in the cities today, it is difficult to find a Gaius. In churches today, it is very rare! We can welcome people, but our hospitality is so superficial! Few members know each other, and a few know the names! Some Christians do not know their Pastors, and some pastors know not their flock. And sorry to say, some Christians are afraid of the others. Yes, some are like Diotrephes. Now, what do you have to say to us? If you were given an invitation to lecture on hospitality, from where would you start? Will you tell us what made your heart wide?
Before you answer, a little context, Gaius. We have social media platforms; we can call or write in just a second. We have good modes of transport, far advanced from the ones of your days. And Gaius, we do take courses in communication, but you seem to take more. Help us now! Help us have hospitality so deep like yours.
Jesus’ Table and the Love Without Borders
And the voice from above came to me saying; Do not praise me, rather praise Jesus. It is he from whom I learned. Do you remember his last supper? Yes. Do you remember his words that day? Which part exactly, I asked. I mean that part where he said that, ‘gathered on his table is a betrayer?’ Aah, I do remember. And do you recall that Jesus knew the betrayer! Yes. Okay. Now, have you ever thought of the riches laid on that table? Yes, a bit. How often do you see those tables? Rarely, Gaius, I replied.
Gaius then asked, who do you relate to in that text, then? The disciples, I answered. Are you okay relating with the betrayer, he asked. What do you mean, I asked too. And to this, he answered:
The day I realized that Jesus was okay having me on his rich table, despite my evil plans, my heart cracked and opened in a way that can never be closed again. His love opened wide my heart, my roof, and my table to others. And since then, the same love compels me to let others in, even the strangers. And as far as I know, that is the seed from which the fruits you admire were born. Jesus: the love without borders.
After a minute of silence, I said, thank you, Gaius. It was so rich, but again, too difficult to understand. I bowed down and expressed my gratitude, and then asked if he would be more practical next time, and to this, he smiled.
If I may ask, what do you know about Diotrephes? I continued. To this, he replied, he is everyone who cannot open his heart to a new stranger. All who cannot love the strangers. Sometimes this is because of fear, wounds, other times just hatred or carelessness, but mostly, pride. I paused for a minute.
After a minute, I said, here is my last question. Gaius, with all the heavenly powers, would you say it is possible to have Diotrephes change to a Gaius? Can it ever be said of him, too, that “You are faithful to what you are doing for the brothers and sisters”? Even though they are strangers to you, they have told the church about your love” (3Jn vs 5-6) Can this really happen?
He looked at me silently, as if saying, ‘That is for you to answer.’ For me? Yes, for you!
Reader, do you have the same question? The same desire? That is for you to ponder!
May the light of Gaius shine on us all, the Diotrephes, of whom it remains difficult to open our hearts to the strangers.