June 24
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3 JOHN
9 I have written something to the church, but Diotrephes, who likes to put himself first, does not acknowledge our authority. 10 So if I come, I will bring up what he is doing, talking wicked nonsense against us. And not content with that, he refuses to welcome the brothers, and also stops those who want to and puts them out of the church.11 Beloved, do not imitate evil but imitate good. Whoever does good is from God; whoever does evil has not seen God. 12 Demetrius has received a good testimony from everyone, and from the truth itself. We also add our testimony, and you know that our testimony is true.13 I had much to write to you, but I would rather not write with pen and ink. 14 I hope to see you soon, and we will talk face to face.15 Peace be to you. The friends greet you. Greet the friends, each by name. – 3 John 9-15
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3 JOHN ON CONFRONTING EVIL AND WICKEDNESS
A poem inspired by these verses by ILMA
Those who belong to the Lord, do not imitate evil
They expose the wickedness that is spearheaded by the devil
No matter how cunningly they disguise their unrighteousness
The Spirit will guide the saints to discern their wickedness
Because God is our protector, he will not forsake his people
The Lord wants us to confront the acts of those who are wicked
Whoever does good has the Spirit of God in them
While those who make a habit of sin doesn’t know him.
Do not comply with the wrong that you have witnessed
Doing so will only open doors to evil and fire up more wickedness
Just as God hates unrighteousness, we also should hate it
If we tolerate ungodly deeds, we become corrupted as well
It is not loving to allow your sisters and brothers to continue doing bad
What is loving is to rebuke and exhort them in gentleness and love
We are our brother’s keeper, so we ought to care for their welfare
If we love the Lord, we also have to love our sisters and brothers.
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REFLECTION
• What happens when we tolerate or do not confront evil among the saints?