To my dear friend Gaius, whom I love in the truth. (3 John 1)
Last, first, and middle name were the beginning requirements for each person completing the seminary application. Eventually, the application was reviewed by a member of our admissions team, who initiated a relationship. Due to sheer volume, most relationships remained purely professional. Many relationships moved to that of casual acquaintance. Fewer relationships developed into social and study circles, and still fewer blossomed into valued friendships that grew deeper as trust strengthened.
John addressed his letter to his dear friend, Gaius. The two had a connection that had to have started with an introduction but had grown into a deep level of trust and love. The details and progression of the friendship are unknown to us. We only know the results expressed in John’s greeting.
God writes to us through the Holy Bible. The Bible is a means of introduction that, with our time and interest, guides us through interconnection with God and others that can be purely professional (transactional), casual (surface level or a passing nod), social (periodic time spent exchanging information), or valued (deepening knowledge, trust, and love).
We are called to love God with heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love our neighbors as ourselves. Loving our neighbors begins with an introduction that leads to a relationship. Most people won’t know the details, but they will know the results.
Introduce someone to God through your love.
Janelle Vernon serves The Wesleyan Church as executive director of Communication and Administration, general secretary, and publisher for Wesleyan Publishing House.
© 2021 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
