III John 5-8 “Dear friend, you are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers, even though they are strangers to you. They have told the church about your love. You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God. It was for the sake of the Name that they went out, receiving no help from the pagans. We ought therefore to show hospitality to such men so that we may work together for the truth.”
This passage is a little personal for me. I am a pastor’s wife, and I’d like to take a minute just to share with you from my heart. Being in ministry is hard! We are normal, regular people, just like everyone else. But sometimes it feels as though the whole world is watching with a critical eye. Encouragement is often sparse, but criticism always seems abundant. The stress of trying to please so many, knowing we will never please everyone, has at times taken a heavy toll on our marriage and our family life.
In our years of ministry, we have known a few like Gaius. I think of Malcolm and DeLain, of Ted and Sherry, of D.L. and Barbara, of Tim and Nancy. These people and others have loved us, prayed for us, and encouraged us. Their simple acts of hospitality and love were often the fuel we needed to continue in ministry, when we otherwise would have given up.
Have you encouraged your pastor and his lately? Have you loved and prayed for him, and for his family? Have you shown hospitality? If you have, good for you! Your kindness has made more of a difference than you will ever know. In so doing, you have partnered with them in doing the work God has set before them.
Dear Father, Thank you for the people that have loved us, encouraged us, and shown us hospitality. Please place more people like this in your churches.
Amen
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