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. 3Jn 1:14 

Third John is the shortest book in the bible, yet it packs a big punch when it comes to friendship. In this tiny book of fourteen verses there are several words that stand out on having friends: wellbeloved, brethren, fellowhelpers, beloved, truth, charity, and friends. From the following verses you can see that this letter is an example of the encouragement we can give to our friends:

The elder unto the wellbeloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth. 2 Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. 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. 4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth. 3Jn 1:1-4 

In this book we see three good friends and one evil man who wasn’t a real friend to anyone. We can learn from the good friends that friends are loving and kind. They walk in the truth of Jesus Christ. They encourage each other to do that which is good. We all need and need to be good friends. 

When I was sixteen years old, I was going to a church that had a youth group that wasn’t any different than the kids I went to school with. The gospel wasn’t preached, and the youth were not saved. A friend at the high school invited me to go to his church, and I went and began attending. The teens in this youth group were saved and loved the Lord. Many went on to Bible College. Making new friends that loved the Lord greatly influenced me. 

We can choose our friends. It takes a very short time to make a bad friend that will influence you to do wrong. It takes a longer time to make good friends. I found that the best place to make good friends is at church. The time you invest in getting to know and befriend others will be a blessing to you. Come to church seeking to encourage and bless others, and you will have friends. 

Don’t take your friends for granted. John especially wanted the face-to-face time. Keep the communication going whether it be face to face, email, text, an encouraging card, etc. Try making new friends of the visitors who come to church or your Sunday School class. Gaius was an example of hospitality, and John praised him for it. 

Ron Cox – Director of HOPE Ministry