3 John 1:11
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.
3 John 1:11 (KJV)
Context
John writes this short letter to Gaius, a believer known for his faithful hospitality to traveling missionaries. In contrast, Diotrephes, a church leader, opposed John’s authority, refused to welcome the missionaries, and acted with pride and inhospitality. In verse 11, John urges Gaius and all readers not to imitate evil but to follow good, directly warning against the destructive pattern exemplified by Diotrephes.
Avoiding Evil: The command to “follow not that which is evil” means more than avoiding wrong in general; it warns against imitating those who oppose God’s work. Evil is anything contrary to God’s nature, commandments, and will. Believers must discern between good and evil and intentionally distance themselves from influences that lead away from God.
Pursuing Good: John emphasizes actively pursuing what is good. Goodness is a fruit of the Holy Spirit and reflects God’s character. As followers of Christ, we are called to imitate God and embody His goodness in acts of love, kindness, mercy, justice, and righteousness. Choosing to do good demonstrates alignment with God’s purposes.
Identification with God: The one who does good is “of God.” This indicates that consistent good actions reveal a genuine relationship with God. As the Holy Spirit works in us, our actions reflect His nature, and our obedience and service become visible testimonies of faith.
Absence of God: Conversely, the one who does evil “hath not seen God.” Habitual evil conduct reveals a lack of true knowledge of and fellowship with God. This does not mean such a person cannot repent, but it underscores the need for genuine repentance and turning from evil.
Meaning
The verse presents a practical test of authentic Christian faith: what we do reveals whose we are. Doing good is not the means of earning salvation but evidence of a transformed life. The Greek terms for “doing good” and “doing evil” emphasize habitual action, showing that our consistent choices reflect our relationship with God.
Biblical connections
This teaching aligns with Jesus’ words in Matthew 7:17-18, where a good tree bears good fruit and a corrupt tree bears evil fruit. John’s exhortation also echoes the broader biblical principle that faith without works is dead (James 2:17).
Application
We are called to examine our actions and the influences we follow. Instead of imitating those who seek preeminence or oppose God’s work, we should imitate Christ and godly leaders. Let us choose hospitality, humility, and love, showing by our deeds that we belong to God.
Reflection
Consider your daily choices: do they reflect the goodness of God? When faced with the example of Diotrephes, we are reminded to reject pride and inhospitality. May our lives testify that we have truly seen God through His transforming grace.
