I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to have the preeminence among them, does not receive us. Therefore, if I come, I will call to mind his deeds which he does, prating against us with malicious words. And not content with that, he himself does not receive the brethren, and forbids those who wish to, putting them out of the church.
(3 John 1:9-10, NKJV)
One of the most beautiful aspects of being a child of God is that we’re part of a family. Wherever you go, when you meet another Christian, you have an immediate connection. In fact, my husband observed once, if we one day move out of Southern California, I would immediately find a new support group with a new family.
And so reading about this ancient man who was part of the early church hurts my heart. He wanted “preeminence”—the top dog. He refused to receive fellow believers and spoke maliciously. Not only did he not receive believers himself, but he also forbade others to do so—going so far as forcing those who did to leave the church.
How very sad.
We’re supposed to be a family, supporting each other. Praying for each other. Loving each other. When someone new enters our church, what will they experience? Will they be warmly welcomed? Will they feel an immediate connection? Will they feel like they’ve come home?
Or will they sit alone as everyone huddles together in cliques? Will they feel out of place? Will they not feel received?
Think about it. And this next Sunday? Keep your eyes open for a new face, and warmly welcome a new brother or sister.
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