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.”

Context:Before delving into the specific verse, it’s important to understand the context in which it is written. The book of 3 John is a short letter written by the apostle John to a man named Gaius. In this letter, John commends Gaius for his hospitality and support of traveling missionaries. However, he also addresses the issue of Diotrephes, a church leader who opposed John’s authority and refused to welcome the missionaries. In verse 11, John encourages Gaius and the readers to follow what is good and avoid evil.

• Avoiding Evil:John begins by instructing the readers not to follow that which is evil. Evil refers to anything that is contrary to God’s nature, commandments, and will. As believers, we are called to discern between good and evil and choose what aligns with God’s standards. This requires us to be vigilant, aware of the influences around us, and make intentional choices to distance ourselves from anything that leads us away from God.
• Pursuing Good:John emphasizes the importance of pursuing that which is good. Goodness is a fruit of the Holy Spirit and reflects the character of God. As followers of Christ, we are called to imitate God and embody His goodness in our actions and attitudes. This includes acts of love, kindness, mercy, justice, and righteousness. When we choose to do good, we demonstrate that we are aligned with God’s purposes and values.
• Identification with God:John explains that the one who does good is of God. This implies that those who consistently choose to do good are demonstrating their relationship with God. When we allow the Holy Spirit to work in us, our actions begin to reflect the nature of God. Our obedience to God’s commands and our willingness to serve others become visible testimonies of our faith.
• Absence of God:On the other hand, John states that the one who does evil has not seen God. Those who habitually engage in evil actions, being disobedient to God’s commands, reveal that they have not truly encountered God or experienced His transformative power. This does not mean that they cannot repent and turn to God, but it highlights the need for genuine repentance and a desire to turn away from evil.