When missionaries come to town, what are we supposed to do? The Bible answers this very question. This teaching comes from 3 John 6–8. The Word of God says,
You will do well to send them on their journey in a manner worthy of God. For they have gone out for the sake of the name, accepting nothing from the Gentiles. Therefore, we ought to support people like these, that we may be fellow workers for the truth.
What is John talking about in this passage? Gaius, the recipient of the letter, had received some missionaries into his home. These missionaries are possibly the people who carried 3 John from John to Gaius. Upon receiving the letter, John instructs Gaius “to support” these missionaries by sending them on their mission for Christ “in a manner worthy of God.” What all did this support entail? I would imagine both hospitality and the provision of financial resources. In other words, Gaius was to make their stay a blessing for them and provide them with finances.
This weekend we find ourselves in a similar context that Gaius found himself in 3 John. What should we do? We should “send them on their journey in a manner worthy of God.” As you have opportunity, bless our missionaries while they are here. I’m thinking here specifically of blessing them financially. Let us “support people like this, that we may be fellow workers for the truth.”
Pastor Chance
