“…who have borne witness of your love before the church. If you send them forward on their journey in a manner worthy of God, you will do well…”

 who have borne witness of your love before the church.

John dispatched ministers to the church at Ephesus, but Diotrephes refused to host them.  However, Gaius did graciously host them.  These itinerant travelers went back to John after visiting Gaius with a report that he exercised the love of hospitality to them at Ephesus.  His love was one of action and not a mere sentiment.  John spent his later years in Ephesus. 

If you send them forward on their journey

The concept of send forward conveys the idea of providing supplies.  John did not want to blunt Gaius’ hosting of legitimate teachers of the truth, so he urges Gaius to continue his hospitality (Ac 15:3; 20:38; 2:15; Ro. 15:24; 1 Co. 16:6, 11; 2 Co 1:16; Ti 3:13). 

in a manner worthy of God,

The phrase “worthy of God” is literally worthily of God.  The emphasis is on manner.  Gaius’ hospitality to servants of Christ gave praise to God in a manner consistent with his God (Co 1:10; 1 Th 2:12).  The way he showed hospitality brought praise to God.  Gaius had a high degree of comparable worth that is fitting or proper for what is expected from a spiritual leader.  John deemed that his life corresponded to God’s standard for living.

Eph 4:1, “I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called…”

you will do well

John now requests Gaius to give further service to itinerant teachers for the second time.  Demetrius may have been one of these itinerant teachers.  This both pleased God and is lovely in the eyes of those who benefited from Gaius’ action. 

PRINCIPLE: 

We give praise to God by sharing our resources. 

APPLICATION: 

The motivation for ministry should be outgoing love that is self-giving and spontaneous.  People who truly love God do not begrudge giving to the cause of Christ.  They willingly invite speakers and missionaries into their homes, serve them a good meal, and get to know their specific needs.  They also willingly help in practical ways, such as driving a visiting speaker to the airport and making sure he has something to eat.