3 John 1
1 The elder unto the wellbeloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth.
John writes to Gaius, a brother in The Lord and a Pastor of this church.
2 Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.
John is saying he wishes the best for Gaius, a brother in Christ to have blessings in the flesh as well as in his spirit.
3 For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth.
John was happy to hear Gaius was teaching God's Word in Truth and haven't sugared it down in doing so. That's The Only way to do it IF you're a REAL Pastor.
4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.
5 Beloved, thou doest faithfully whatsoever thou doest to the brethren, and to strangers;
What you teach to those in your family, you teach to those out of it as well.
6 Which have borne witness of thy charity before the church: whom if thou bring forward on their journey after a godly sort, thou shalt do well:
We are to show Christ at all times, to all that cross our path. Some will see it as kindness and others as "shoving God down their throat". Don't let that stop you. In this world today, more will consider what you do as wrong, because they have no moral concept of what is good or bad. They will turn against the things of God and blame you for it. Christians will always try and give it, but don't waste too much time on them. There are many waiting to hear God's Word, His true love.
7 Because that for his name's sake they went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles.
Those that stop by a Christian's home or church will leave needing nothing from unbelievers.
8 We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellowhelpers to the truth.
You gain family, the Christian family by spreading Truth, The Truth of God. Some will hunger and some will hate, don't let it stop you from doing the good you do. We have enough that hate God!
9 I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not.
"Diotrephes" - Greek = "nourished by Jupiter" that should tell you what you need to know. This church rejected John and most important, The Truth of God.
10 Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church.
This "church" doesn't know the word "forgiveness" only bondage. They won't give anyone a chance unless they line up with their doctrines. A REAL church will teach and let the chips fall where they may. They will let them in, no matter what they [have done] as to feed them The Truth. This isn't saying if they come in looking for a fight you don't throw them out on their butts. We must open the door to see who is in need.
11 Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.
It's that simple! If you aren't following God, your following evil. This holds true no matter how good you think you are.
12 Demetrius hath good report of all men, and of the truth itself: yea, and we also bear record; and ye know that our record is true.
Demetrius has a good report because he isn't like this one Diotrephes. Demetrius taught The Word and held to it.
13 I had many things to write, but I will not with ink and pen write unto thee:
John doesn't want to write Demetrius, so he will go to him and tell him personally.
14 But I trust I shall shortly see thee, and we shall speak face to face. Peace be to thee. Our friends salute thee. Greet the friends by name.