It has been a while since I've written so I took another look at 3 John. This time it spoke to me. Why? Because our church passed a motion to be welcoming to people from the LGBTQ community.
This decision has sparked some discussion with friends and acquaintances, and even some apparent judgment from some of them. Many people seem to feel it is almost blasphemous to accept these people other than to teach them the error of their ways (love the sinner, hate the sin). For some reason this is THE issue that, it appears, will determine whether a church is "Godly" or not - and generally it means 'not" unless you reject these people because, obviously, they can't be Christian. Anyone who reads the Bible differently is a false teacher.
This suddenly started to sound like the situation John was speaking into. One group defaming the teaching of another - refusing to accept the Christianity of some followers, even calling into question the authority of some of the leaders. John praises the hospitality of those who see Christ in the teaching. He praises those who take a chance by being hospitable, even in the face of controversy.
So I feel that John is blessing our congregation for taking this step. We have taken a long time to come to this decision to show hospitality and acceptance to our brothers and sisters, no matter their gender identity or sexual orientation. We feel God is calling us to this move. Many don't/can't accept that - I understand that part of where they are coming from. Those who no longer wish to associate with us because of this move, who feel we are no longer Christian, who feel threatened and angry because of it, I do not understand.
But we will "not imitate what is evil but imitate what is good. Whoever does good is from God;" We will not (I hope) lash out in harsh condemning words about those who condemn us. We will not turn from those we have chosen to accept because others reject us. We will look for the good and know that it is from God - and trust God to lead us and bless us as we continue to travel this road.
